Whimsical Woman Figural Stoneware Jar by Julie Desert Armanville - 12½"

A figural tureen or lidded jar in glazed stoneware, modeled as a standing woman in a green dress by Julie Desert Armanville. The upper torso and head form the lid, fitting neatly onto the rounded skirt that serves as the container. Exaggerated proportions lend the figure a cartoon-like charm, infusing the piece with humor and playfulness. The palette combines turquoise green with creamy white for the apron and accents, with applied beaded motifs at the neckline and a ruffled border worked in relief. Subtle incising and hand-modeled textures bring animation to the face and garments. Stamped JDA to the underside.

This whimsical yet functional design reflects the Vallauris tradition of sculptural ceramics that flourished in the postwar era, when utilitarian forms were reimagined with wit and tactility. Julie Desert Armanville’s work in grès stoneware aligns with the studio culture of Vallauris, favoring robust bodies, lively glazes, and stylized figuration. From 1972 to 1982 she played a key role at the Roger Capron atelier, whose vocabulary of playful silhouettes and richly textured surfaces clearly informs this piece.

Intended as a jar, it could hold sweets, tea, or small household items, merging utility with character in the spirit of French studio pottery. Today, it brings a cheerful sculptural note to a kitchen shelf, breakfast nook, or scullery, its turquoise and cream tones pairing beautifully with natural wood and linen. It also reads as a small artwork on a console or bookcase. Whether used to store wrapped treats or keepsakes, or simply displayed as an eye catching art piece, it serves as a charming focal point that softens modern interiors with artisanal warmth and wit.