Olivier Pettit (1918–1979), “cat” catchall

Bowl serving as a trinket dish or ashtray, with incised and relief decoration in cream and blue, “Cat” model.

H. 3.54 in × L. 5.91 in × W. 4.33 in.

Monogrammed OP.

France, Vallauris, circa 1960.

Biography:

Olivier Pettit (1918–1979) was a French sculptor and ceramist born in Paris. Trained in sculpture at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, his studies were interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the French forces. After the war, he resumed his training and won the Second Prix de Rome in sculpture in 1952.

Alongside sculpture, Pettit developed a significant body of work in ceramics, often decorated with hand-painted motifs of animals, flowers, or figures. He worked notably in Vallauris during the 1950s–1960s, actively participating in the post-war French ceramic art scene.

He also created architectural sculptures and decorative panels, and his works were recognized with awards, including a silver medal at the International Ceramic Exhibition in Cannes in 1956. He continued his artistic career until his death in 1979.