Boch Freres Keramis Vase Value Guide

This Boch Freres Keramis vase is a quintessential example of Art Deco design, crafted in Belgium between 1920 and 1930 under the direction of Charles Catteau. It is highly collectible for its innovative polychrome geometric decoration and the distinctive crackled glaze that defines Catteau's signature aesthetic.

What affects the value of Boch Freres Keramis Vase?

• The complexity and rarity of the polychrome geometric or stylized natural motifs.
• The physical condition of the ceramic, specifically looking for chips, cracks, or significant wear to the enamel.
• The presence of a clear, well-preserved crackled glaze which enhances the visual texture and desirability.
• Market demand for specific shapes and pattern numbers documented in the Catteau catalogue raisonné.

How to Identify Boch Freres Keramis Vase?

• Look for the 'Boch Freres Keramis' backstamp or the 'Grès Keramis' mark on the underside of the base.
• Identify the 'D' followed by a number, which indicates the specific decoration pattern designed by Charles Catteau.
• Examine the surface for a deliberate, fine-lined crackle effect in the enamel, a hallmark of the 1920s production.
• Check for the artist's initials 'Ch. Catteau' often found integrated into the design or stamped on the bottom.

History of Boch Freres Keramis Vase

Boch Freres Keramis was a prominent Belgian ceramics factory known for its innovative designs during the Art Deco period. Charles Catteau, their artistic director from 1907 to 1948, was instrumental in developing the distinctive styles that made these vases highly sought after. His work often combined geometric patterns with stylized natural motifs, influenced by both Cubism and African art, and frequently incorporated crackled glazes to enhance the visual texture.