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Authentic Saint Andrew’s Abbey ceramic wall plaque from Valyermo, California, depicting Jesus Christ with raised arms, designed by Benedictine monk and artist Fr. Maur van Doorslaer, O.S.B.
Fr. Maur established the distinctive ceramic style for which the Abbey became known, drawing inspiration from Mexican folk art and creating whimsical religious figures characterized by simple forms and large, expressive eyes. Saint Andrew’s Abbey confirms that its ceramic works are handmade at the monastery and that Fr. Maur was the original designer of its ceramic creations.
This substantial plaque measures approximately:
11.5” tall × 8.5” wide
The piece features a speckled white glazed robe with warm brown, ochre/gold and dark accents. Incised details define the robe, face, hair, hands and feet, while the distinctive open eyes and stylized figure are characteristic of Fr. Maur’s work.
The reverse bears the Valyermo/Abbey impressed maker’s mark, along with a hand-applied “T” marking. The back also retains the original-style integrated hanging loop.
Saint Andrew’s Abbey ceramics were produced as part of the Benedictine community’s working tradition and helped financially support the monastery. The ceramics workshop dates to the late 1960s, and Fr. Maur continued designing works for the Abbey for decades.
Condition: Vintage pre-owned condition. There are visible age/use-related surface characteristics, including crazing/hairline-type lines or glaze irregularities in the white robe area. The reverse has several remnants of clear adhesive/pads from previous mounting or display. Please inspect all photographs carefully for exact condition. Hanging loop is intact.
A wonderful example of California studio pottery, Benedictine monastic art and mid-century/modern religious folk art, and an especially appealing piece for collectors of Saint Andrew’s Abbey/Valyermo ceramics and Fr. Maur van Doorslaer.
