TITRE OUR STORY
From the first wheel-thrown forms born on Mediterranean shores to contemporary creations inspired by distant lights, our maison honors a timeless pursuit: turning the raw imperfection of earth into living works of art.
Rooted in a lineage of artisans and visionaries where craftmanship is passed down like a cherished secret, our studio bridges the centuries-old heritage of fine earthenware and metallic lusters with a distinctly modern sensibility. Every artwork carries the imprint of a precise gesture, the breath of intuition, and the poetry of glazes revealed in the intimacy of the kiln.
Récit chronologique + Illustration Pièces Signatures
18th Century - The Pottery Roots
1707 - 1830
The family tradition takes root in Vallauris with master potter Pierre Massier (1707-1748). For over a century, the family crafts traditional utilitarian pottery in glazed earthenware for everyday Mediterranean life.
The Artistic Turning Point
1833 - 1870
Jacques Massier (1806-1871) establishes the workshop that transforms the family craft toward fine art ceramics. The arrival of Italian master ceramist Gaetano Gandolfi introduces the technique of tin-glazed earthenware (faïence).
Signature Ceramics: Decorative glazed earthenware pieces, marking a gradual shift away from strictly utilitarian pottery PHOTOS
The Rise of the Masters & International Renown
1883 - 1887
Brothers Clément Massier (1844-1917) and Delphin Massier (1836-1907) set up their workshop in Golfe-Juan. Driven by a visionary strategy and the publication of illustrated catalogs, the house exports throughout Europe and becomes an official supplier to the British Royal Crown in 1887.
The Invention of Iridescent Ceramics (Metallic Luster)
1889
Inspired by the iridescent sheen of Hispano-Moresque earthenware and in collaboration with the artist Lucien Lévy-Dhurmer, Clément Massier perfects the reduction firing technique. He invents iridescent ceramic, a major innovation awarded a Gold Medal at the Paris Universal Exposition in 1889.
Signature Ceramics: Vases and bowls featuring ablaze metallic lusters (scarab, gold, ruby, and deep blue effects) adorned with botanical or Symbolist motifs.
The Golden Age of Naturalism & Art Nouveau
1890 - 1910
The family structure itself into three renowed workshops.
Delphin Massier: The grand master of sculptural barbotine (slipware) and Mediteranean fauna. Signature pieces photos
Jérôme Massier: Specialist in floral art forms and shimmering glazed decorations. signature pieces photos
Legacy & The Golden Age of Modern Masters
1910 - 1990
During the mid-20th century, Vallauris emerged as the international epicenter of fine art ceramics.
When Pablo Picasso settled in the village in the late 40s, sparking a revolutionary creative renaissance alongside masters like Jean Cocteau, Fernand Léger, and Marc Chagall, the Massier manufacture embodied the living memory and ancestral craftmanship behind this golden era, actively contributing to the town’s international artistic renown.
Contemporary Reinvention
Present Day
Carried forward by Cédric Massier, the heritage lives on in a spirit of excellence. Formed at the Beaux-Arts, his work spans stoneware and earthenware, dedicated to ongoing research into specialty glazes, turquoise signature and hand-sculpted forms.
Between time-honored expertise and organic exploration, we craft unique art ceramics designed to endure, awaken the senses, and bring a singular elegance.
liens galeries + musées