Jean Mayodon Sèvres, ceramic plate, France, 1930s

This extraordinary Art Deco ceramic plate by Jean Mayodon captivates with its intense green glaze and the characteristic relief of two stylized, running antelopes or gazelles. The dynamically depicted animals lend a sense of movement and sculptural depth to the otherwise clean form of the plate. Characteristic of Mayodon’s ceramic work are the vibrant glazes, often created using metal oxides, iridescent emerald and malachite green tones, and finely applied gold accents. The lively, partially crackled surface enhances the exceptional depth of the glaze and underscores the artisanal character of the piece. Stylistically, Mayodon combines influences from antiquity and mythology with the elegant, decorative aesthetic of French Art Deco. Animals, mythical creatures, and figures in motion are recurring motifs in his oeuvre. An expressive example of 20th-century French ceramic art that unfolds a particularly decorative effect through its intense coloration, sculptural relief, and elegant stylization of the animal figures.