Marie-Thérèse Espelt, known better as Mithé Espelt, was a dominant force in mid-20th-century ceramics in France. Mithé is remembered for her modern ceramic wall mirrors, gilded and enameled ashtrays and other ornate objects and boxes, often featuring birds and lively colors. She preferred not to sign her pieces and, as a consequence, much of her work has been misattributed, including to French ceramist François Lembo.
Mithé grew up in the Camargue region of France. Her father’s extensive network included 1904 Nobel Prize winner Frédéric Mistral and Parisian painter and decorator Jean Hugo. Mithé’s early introduction to a community of artists inspired her to study sculpture and drawing at the Beaux-Arts School in Montpellier in 1939.
Mithé’s early work caught the attention of French ceramist Emilie Decanis and jewelry distributor Charles Démery. Mithé set up a ceramics workshop in the Hôtel de Bernis in Lunel, where she quickly garnered a reputation for her ceramic work and accessories, including mirrors, jewelry boxes and buttons. Démery founded the Souleiado boutique, which began distributing Mithé’s work, thus attracting a worldwide audience.
French author Antoine Candau wrote a retrospective book on Mithé’s career titled Mithé Espelt, the Discreet Luxury of the Every Day, which contributed to bringing her legacy to the forefront while shedding light on her anonymity. While Mithé was respected within her inner circle, the general public is only now beginning to understand the immense talent behind her over five-decade-long career.
Find Mithé Espelt mirrors, decorative objects, wall decorations and more for sale on 1stDibs.
Mithé Espelt - "Millefleurs" mirror, glazed ceramic, gold
By Mithé Espelt
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Mithé Espelt (1923-2020) "Millefleurs" mirror. France, c. 1965 Enameled and glazed ceramic and gold. Diameter : 26,5 cm. Bibliography : Antoine Candau, Mithé Espelt, the discreet lux...
Gold
Mithé Espelt - "Fleurs" mirror, ceramic and gold, france, 1967
By Mithé Espelt
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Mithé Espelt (1923-2020) "Fleurs" mirror. France, c. 1967 Enameled and glazed ceramic and gold. Diameter : 30 cm. Bibliography : Antoine Candau, Mithé Espelt, the discreet luxury of ...
Gold
$2,827
H 12.6 in W 12.6 in D 1.97 in
Sun shaped Modernist enamel mirror by J. Capo Esmaltes, Spain, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Exquisite vintage sun-shaped Modernist enamel mirror by J. Capo Esmaltes, crafted in Spain during the 1970s. The gear-like frame boasts a rich, glossy copper finish, adorned with vib...
Enamel
Orange Ceramic Round Mirror by Villeroy & Boch, Germany 1970
By Villeroy & Boch
Located in Barcelona, ES
Round wall mirror by Villeroy Boch in orange glazed terracota, Germany, 1960s-1970s German Midcentury-Modern orange terracotta glazed ceramic circular mirror...
Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta, Mirror
Italian Designer, Wall Mirror, Flower, Italy, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A white wall mirror with amber flowers and green leaves designed and produced by an Italian Designer, Italy, 1960s.
Metal
Rare Petal Form Wall Mirror
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in London, GB
Impressive circular mirror with bevel in brass frame mounted on a peach/bronze glass with cut blue glass blades radiating from the mirror.
Glass, Mirror
French Sunburst Flower Mirror in Rattan, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Double Layered Rattan Sunburst Flower Shaped Mirror. France, 1960s. A lovely Mediterranean style handcrafted rattan flower shaped mirror with two layers of petals in two sizes and pyrography accents. It has all the taste from the French Riviera. This stunning mirror was entirely made by hand. Beautiful to place alone and interesting as a part of a big wall composition with other mirrors in this manner. Overall Measures: 50 cm diameter // 19,68 in diameter More rattan wall mirrors and sunburst mirrors are avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. Rattan Sunburst Mirror // Rattan Flower Mirror...
Wicker, Mirror, Bamboo, Rattan
Amber Peach Bevelled Mirror in Shape of Flower, Art Deco, 1930s
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale This Outstanding 1930s Art Deco amber peach bevelled mirror. The primary standard glass mirror is convex, so it sits proud of the frame. The sur...
Mirror
Round Mirror with Orange-Red Ceramic Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Hellouw, NL
This Italian mirror is an eye-catching piece that blends craftsmanship and bold design. The frame, sculpted from ceramic, has a deep orange-red hue that radiates warmth. A modern yet...
Ceramic, Glass
Mithé Espelt - "Fleurs" mirror, ceramic and gold, france, c.1967
By Mithé Espelt
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Mithé Espelt (1923-2020) "Fleurs" mirror. France, c. 1967 Enameled and glazed ceramic and gold. Diameter : 3à cm. Bibliography : Antoine Candau, Mithé Espelt, the discreet luxury of ...
Gold
Round Mithe Espelt Ceramic Mirror with Flower Decors
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Round ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt with debossed flower motifs in pink, green and white glaze. Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (1923-2020) Born in the town of Lunel, near...
Ceramic
Round Mithe Espelt Ceramic Mirror with Blue Flower Decors
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Round ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt with debossed flower motifs in blue, teal, green and white glaze. Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (1923-2020) Born in the town of Lunel...
Ceramic, Mirror
Mithé Espelt Bird and Blossom Mirror in Glazed Ceramic
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Charming and highly decorative ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, created in her renowned Lunel workshop in the South of France during the 1960s. The square frame is richly adorned with...
Ceramic
Hand-Held Moineau Mirror by Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
A hand-held mirror crafted from ceramic by the French artist Mithé Espelt, this piece showcases her signature Moineau design, adorned with an array of leaves and decorative elements....
Ceramic
Mithé Espelt Crackeled Gold Glaze Ceramic Hand Held Mirror
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Elegant and sculptural wall mirror by renowned French ceramicist Mithé Espelt, created in the south of France during the 1960s. This distinctive piece exemplifies Espelt’s signature ...
Ceramic
Mithe Espelt Cage Mirror in Beige and Brown Shades
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Charming ceramic wall mirror by French artist Mithé Espelt, executed in her signature hand-glazed earthenware with gilded detailing. The frame features a whimsical composition of two...
Ceramic
