Mid-century Ceramic Hen-Shaped Flower Vase Sculpture

This unique ceramic sculpture immerses us in a world where the modernist design of the mid-20th century intersects with the ancient echoes of early civilizations. Its refined, stylized form suggests a creature that is part animal, part mythical, reminiscent of the zoomorphic figures that populated ancient Mesopotamian art, where every object transcended its primary function to become a bridge between the profane and the sacred. Here, the artist reinterprets this tradition, infusing it with a contemporary sensibility.

This “hen-shaped flower vase” is much more than a decorative object; it embodies the meticulous attention to detail and ingenuity of mid-20th-century creators, for whom every object had to combine utility with beauty. The circular openings on the hen’s back are not mere perforations; they allow for the insertion of flower stems, transforming the piece into a flower holder. The beak and integrated handle add both anthropomorphic and practical elements.

The speckled patina and streamlined form evoke the aesthetics of ancient craftsmanship. The hen thus becomes a symbol of continuity, an object that is both familiar and timeless, engaging in a dialogue across the ages. It invites us to reconsider our relationship with everyday objects, viewing them as fragments of history and culture.

This piece can be appreciated as a purely decorative ceramic or take on an active role by holding floral arrangements in its openings, secured by the water it contains.

REFERENCE NUMBER: LU825842200882
PERIOD: 1960-1969
CONDITION: Excellent
MEASUREMENTS: Height: 10" Width: 12" Depth: 8"
COUNT: 1
MATERIAL: Ceramic
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France