Very stylish Art Deco two handled vase with a polychrome matt dripping glaze by Gilbert Metenier Louis Méténier (1844-1922) opened a stoneware factory in the 1880's in an old tile factory in Gannat central France which was taken over by his son Gilbert at the start of the 1920's During the 1930's the company employed a dozen workers In June 1940 however, when German troops arrived, the factory was closed The company produced a range of glazed stoneware, in many different forms and with a range of glazes Clients were Parisians - he sold via large stores like Printemps, La Samaritaine and Bon Marché - as well as the French Riviera and the local market His work is prized by a large number of collectors.