PARIS.- On December 3, during the Design sale, Christie’s will unveil an unprecedented collection of ceramics by Jacques and Dani Ruelland. Those 250 pieces grouped into 65 lots showcase the pinnacle of their sculptural and chromatic explorations and celebrate the exceptional virtuosity of this duo of ceramist artists, whose boldness and originality marked the post-war period. Following the monographic auction dedicated to Georges Jouve, the first devoted to a ceramist from the 1950s, this new Ruelland collection offers a fascinating dive into the abundant world of mid-century ceramics.

Assembled with passion over a decade by the couple of collectors Frédéric Cassin, Singapore based businessman and Cristina Córdula, fashion and television icon, this collection stands as a living catalogue raisonné covering the artists’ two major creative periods: from the 1950s to the 1970s with vibrant, colorful works, and from 1970 to 1991 with a more refined palette dominated by shades of gray, white, and black.

Jacques and Dani Ruelland met in 1949, during the creative effervescence of Vallauris, a cradle of master ceramists like Pablo Picasso and Roger Capron both working in the Madoura atelier headed by Suzanne Ramié.

The Ruelland quickly sealed their artistic union, defining their unique esthetic, poetic and artistic signature by choosing organics and free forms-shapes.

Their creations are distinguished by their sleek forms and avant-garde glazing techniques, where glossy and matte enamels blend to bring life to pieces that are both captivating to the eye and to the touch. Sculptures or art objects, each of their works embodies a delicate balance between abstraction and figuration. Nevertheless, uniqueness of their work, their creations come to life in groups. Gathered, those pieces overcome simple beauty and together, create a work of art in its own right.

This auction unveils the couple of collectors’ discerning eye, and their ability to reveal the beauty and richness of the Ruellands' work. From the world of parfums, Fred was attracted by the elegant shapes of bottles; Cristina’s daring sense of style, combines colors with an unparalleled flair. Moreover, she talentedly helped designing the catalog and the exhibition.

«The auction of the collector is as important as the works themselves. Collectors become scenographers and choose the rhythms, colors, and families bringing the art pieces to life for our eyes.» - Cristina Córdula et Frédéric Cassin