Jacques and Dani Ruelland

Known collectively as Les Ruelland, Jacques (1926–2008) and Dani (1933–2010) Ruelland were celebrated French ceramicists. Renowned for their distinctive forms and refined glazes, the Ruellands’ collaborations were hugely influential in mid-20th-century design.

Jacques Ruelland initially studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he trained as a painter. Dani, a sculptor, shared her husband’s passion for exploring material and form. The couple began working together in the 1950s, establishing a studio in Paris where they developed their signature style. Their work is characterised by clean shapes — vases, bottles and bowls — that balance modernist simplicity with a sensuous, organic quality.

Central to the Ruellands’ practice is their mastery of glazing techniques. Their use of vibrant, richly layered colours — shades of deep red, turquoise, black and orange — alongside soft matte and high-gloss finishes creates a dynamic interplay of texture and tone. These finishes often evoke the look of glass or metal, adding a sculptural dimension to their ceramic forms.

The Ruellands' work gained prominence during the 1960s and 1970s, coinciding with a period of renewed interest in Modernist design. Their ceramics were widely exhibited and became highly sought-after by collectors and interior designers, particularly for their ability to complement both minimalist and avant-garde interiors.

Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in their work, with significant examples achieving strong results at auction.