Claymates
In an ode to Henri Matisse, the great-grandfather of Alex Matisse, our CEO and Founder, East Fork’s iconic dinnerware creates a new canvas for some of Matisse’s most recognizable works; a celebration of a family legacy of bringing beauty into the world with passion, creativity, and steadfast determination.
Through meticulous work with Les Héritiers Matisse, we present the works with as much integrity and fidelity to the originals as possible; a painstaking process that took over two years to ensure every splatter of ink was captured and the blue was as close a match to the original gouache as could be.
Illustrations from Verve, I-IV
Minimal yet expressive, these illustrations showcase Matisse's mastery of line.
Nu bleu, I–IV
One of Matisse's most iconic cut-outs, Nu bleu distills the human form into a bold harmony of curves.
Aquatint Portraits
Minimal lines and expressive gestures capture the unmistakable humanity of Matisse's portraits.
La Perruche et la sirène, V-VIII
One of Matisse's most celebrated cut-outs, La Perruche et la sirène transforms painted paper into a vibrant garden of leaves, fruit, and hidden figures.
La Perruche et la sirène, I-IV
One of Matisse's most celebrated cut-outs, La Perruche et la sirène transforms painted paper into a vibrant garden of leaves, fruit, and hidden figures.
La Chevelure
Fluid curves and sweeping lines give La Chevelure its remarkable sense of movement and grace.
Figure endormie sur fond moucharabieh
A sleeping figure rests within an intricate lattice, balancing quiet stillness with richly patterned surroundings.
La Platane
A drawing from 1951, part of a series of 7 large format pieces produced to adorn the dining room walls of publisher Tériade's Villa Natasha.
Acanthes
Flowing acanthus leaves become rhythmic, sculptural forms in one of Matisse's most celebrated late cut-outs.
Jeune femme le visage enfoui dans les bras
A quiet portrait rendered in delicate etched lines, capturing a moment of inward reflection with remarkable simplicity.
Femmes et Singes
Femmes et singes (Women and Monkeys) is Matisse's vivid memory of the Pacific Isles.
MAKING THE ART
In the Studio with Henri Matisse
Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was one of the most influential and versatile artists of the 20th century, celebrated for his innovative use of color, line and form. His work spanned over six decades, showcasing an extraordinary breadth and depth across a variety of mediums. Matisse’s art evolved dramatically over time, moving through multiple phases from Impressionism to Modernism. The artwork selected for The Matisse Collection was mostly created toward the later years of his life, when he turned to papier découpé (paper cut-outs), creating some of his most iconic works despite declining health. This technique, which he called “painting with scissors,” allowed him to explore bold forms and pure color. His work from this period is masterful in its simplicity and dynamism, embodying Matisse’s lifelong pursuit of movement and joy in art.
MAKING THE POTTERY
In the Factory With East Fork
All of our pottery is made in our factory in Asheville, North Carolina. From claymaking, to forming, to glazing and firing, we’re committed to bringing you beautiful, enduring objects for the home, all while using our business to contribute to a more joyful and equitable world.
WHEN ART MEETS FUNCTION
Decorating the Collection
The Matisse Collection relies on custom crafted decals to display Matisse's work on East Fork pottery. The decaling process begins by creating a silk screen of the shape which is then transferred onto paper using colored ceramic pigments. A coating is applied to help the decal adhere, and the sheet is dipped in water to slide the transfer onto the fired ware. It is then fired again at a low temperature, leaving a permanent, crisp image.
Works of Henri Matisse © 2026 Succession H. Matisse/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
