André Borderie and Pierre and Véra Szekely

Thomas Fritsch Artrium, Paris
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Françoise de Loisy, André Borderie: "Pour l'homme simplement," exh. cat., Les Musées d'Angers, Angers, 1998, pp. 24-25 (for a related example)
Pierre Staudenmeyer, La céramique française des années 50s/French Pottery of the 50s, Paris, 2001, p. 124 (for a related example)

Overall in very good condition. The lamp’s exterior glaze presents with more variegated shades of Royal and slate blue and concrete gray tones overall than is illustrated in the catalogue, with some mottled patches of white. The interior glaze presents with tones of egg white. There is craquelure throughout the interior and exterior of the vase, more visibly prominent to the interior, as well as burst air bubbles inherent to the production. The surfaces with some faint scratches, not visually distracting and consistent with age and gentle handling. The glaze to the top of the rim is irregular, which is inherent to the production of the piece. Two areas just above the center of the neck and near the base each measuring approximately 1/8 inch in diameter, and an area to the upper inside rim measuring approximately ½ x 1 1/8 inch have all been professionally and very sensitively restored, visible when the piece is viewed under a blacklight. The light socket is a bayonet fitting. A beautiful example of French mid-century ceramics that exhibits influences from traditional Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.