Biography

Ernest Chaplet was a prominent French designer, sculptor, and ceramist born in 1835 in Sèvres, France. He played a significant role in the French art pottery movement, contributing to the development of innovative ceramic techniques and designs. Chaplet's career began in the industrial sector, but he later opened his own atelier in 1882 with sculptor Albert-Louis Dammouse. His work often drew inspiration from Japanese and Chinese art, particularly in his stoneware creations. Chaplet collaborated with notable artists such as Félix Bracquemond, Paul Gauguin, Jules Dalou, and Auguste Rodin. His partnership with Gauguin resulted in a series of unique stoneware pots featuring applied figures and ornamental fragments. In 1882, Chaplet became the head of the Parisian workshops of Charles Haviland of Haviland & Co., where he worked with stoneware and porcelain. His contributions to the field were recognized at the 1900 International Exhibition, where he received acclaim for his work. Despite losing his sight in 1904, Chaplet's legacy continued through his son-in-law, Emile Lenoble, who took over his studio. Chaplet's works are held in prestigious collections, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, and remain highly sought after by collectors for their artistic and historical significance.