Ceramic cooler with undulating edges & 2 handles - Émile Tessier

A pretty wine glass cooler or 'rafraichissoire' from the 1950s by Émile Tessier. The form and handles are evocative of clam shells. Émile Tessier (1887-1971) was a well-known ceramist from Malicorne, Sarthe, in the North of France. He lived through two world wars and the German occupation. He was raised surrounded by potters and ceramists and eventually established his own atelier. He was inspired by ancient pottery and became well known for pure white pieces with decoration in relief, including twisted motifs, the Fleur de Lys, animals, flowers, and foliage.