Vintage Lava Enameled Wall Panel w/ Flowers by Gilbert Azéma Vallauris 19"

This vibrant lava-enameled panel by Gilbert Azéma, created in Vallauris in the early 1980s, features striking floral motifs with bold red centers and surrounding yellow accents, evocative of stylized thistle flowers. Set against a textured, earth-toned background, the flowers are rendered with expressive, almost abstract lines, adding depth and dynamism to the composition. 

Gilbert Azéma (1949–2017) was a renowned French ceramicist who co-founded the "Ardéco" workshop in Vallauris, a town celebrated for its pottery heritage. Alongside his wife, Martine, he managed the workshop, making it a vibrant hub for artists and art enthusiasts alike. Following his passing in 2017, the studio briefly closed but has since reopened under new leadership, continuing the artistic legacy that Azéma established in the region.

The piece has a still-life quality that makes it ideal for wall display, bringing a touch of mid-century modern artistry to any space. Azéma's work reflects Vallauris's rich ceramic heritage, known for innovative techniques and artistic flair. 

Vallauris, a town on the French Riviera, has been a significant center for ceramics since ancient times due to its rich clay deposits. The town gained renewed fame in the 20th century when a wave of modern ceramic artists, including Pablo Picasso, revitalized the local pottery industry. Picasso moved to Vallauris in 1948, attracted by its vibrant ceramic tradition, and collaborated with the Madoura pottery studio, creating innovative works that combined art and craftsmanship. This era marked a flourishing period for Vallauris as a hub for avant-garde ceramics, drawing artists such as Roger Capron and Jean Derval, who brought new styles and techniques. Today, Vallauris is celebrated for its contribution to both traditional and modern ceramics, hosting workshops, studios, and exhibitions that continue its legacy as a vital center of French ceramic art.