Poterie De Ciboure vase, signed Richard Le Coronne

Founded in 1919 by Étienne Vilotte (cabinetmaker), Louis Benjamin Floutier (painter) and Lukas (potter), the Céramique d'Art de la Poterie de Ciboure company was officially created by Vilotte and his wife in 1922.Céramique d'Art de la Poterie de Ciboure was officially founded by Vilotte and his wife in 1922. Between 1919 and 1922, a distinctive technique and style emerged, characterising the art pottery of Ciboure. Vilotte, Floutier and Lukas developed a technique using stoneware, selected colours and firing at 1,300 degrees to achieve perfect vitrification. This neo-Greek and neo-Basque style, initiated by Floutier, lasted until the establishment closed in 1995. Lukas introduced classical forms inspired by neo-Greek vases, while A. Esteban added neo-Basque forms. These techniques and styles transformed the objects into decorative works, highlighting the spirit of decorative art. In 1945, Rodolphe Fischer took over the business, introducing the moulding technique and a more oxidising firing, while preserving the spirit of Ciboure pottery and developing more utilitarian production. Ciboure pottery is recognisable by its distinctive marks on the base: a bear's paw (1919-1921) combining the initials of the founders, VE Ciboure (1922), RF (Rodolphe Fischer, 1945) and MFC (Max Fischer). Richard Le Coronne, a renowned artist, played an important role in the development of Ciboure pottery. Although he arrived after the founding period, his artistic influence contributed to the perpetuation and innovation of Ciboure's distinctive techniques and styles. Coronne introduced new artistic perspectives and contemporary motifs while respecting the traditions established by Vilotte, Floutier and Fischer. His contribution ensured the continuity and renewal of Ciboure pottery, reinforcing its prestige in the world of ceramic art.