Lot 284: Surreal Art Pottery Sailor Figure, Disemboweled

Description

Description:

Hand-built flat-backed ceramic figure of a sailor or fisherman, wearing a black beret and a striped Breton-style shirt over black trousers, depicted with a graphic, surreal wound at the torso where a mass of glossy red viscera spills forward from an opening in the abdomen. The figure is made of a speckled stoneware clay body, with the front hand-painted and glazed in white, black, orange, and red, while the reverse is left unglazed, showing the raw speckled clay and a small hand-built repair line at one shoulder. This unexpected, darkly surreal touch sets it apart from a typical whimsical nautical figure, suggesting a piece of studio folk art with a more macabre or satirical intent rather than a straightforward decorative sailor figure. No maker's mark is visible on the reverse, so a specific artist isn't confirmed. Measures H: 6.75", W: 3.5", L: 1.5". An unusual and eye-catching conversation piece for collectors of outsider or folk art.

Condition Report:

Good vintage condition, wear commensurate with age. No chips or cracks noted to the glazed front. The unglazed back shows a visible seam/crack line near the left shoulder area, which appears to be from the original hand-building process rather than damage, though this can't be confirmed with certainty.

Keywords:

Folk art pottery, surreal ceramic figure, macabre folk art, outsider art ceramic, hand-built ceramic figure, French sailor figure, whimsical dark pottery, unusual ceramic sculpture, studio pottery figure, collectible surreal art

Dimensions: H: 6.75", W: 3.5", L: 1.5"