Ceramics

Marcello Fantoni “Satiro innamorato” vase, Florence, Italy circa 1950s £600

June 26, 2019Ceramicsalla moda, art, art pottery, Bitossi, brighton, cubist, design, etsy, fantoni, fine art ceramics, florence, home decor, italian pottery, marcello fantoni, midcentury modern, modern art, modernism, picasso, pottery, Raymor, satiro innamorato, satyr, studio potteryafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a stunning and rare Marcello Fantoni vase, made in Florence, Italy circa 1950s.

So characteristic of his work, with a highly stylised sgraffito Cubist horned figure very similar to his iconic ‘Satiro Innamorato’ sculptures, possibly representing a satyr or the Greek God Pan. With multicoloured glossy glazes against an unusual matte black base on a classic baluster form, with a contrasting bright blue glazed interior.

The vase has a handpainted mark to the base ‘Fantoni Italy, with the ‘Duomo’ symbol based on Florence’s Cathedral’s dome.

A great addition to any collection of Fantoni, Italian or European fine art ceramics or 20th century design. Would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, 1950s, 1960s, minimalist or contemporary interior.

Measures 20.5 x 8 x 8cm / 8.25 x 3.25 x 3.25in.

In excellent condition, no chips, cracks or crazing.

Marcello Fantoni was one of the greatest ceramicists and designers of the 20th century, his pieces were influenced by ancient Etruscan ceramics, and by contemporary modern artists of the mid century era. Incorporating elements of Modernism, Cubism and abstraction, this led to his pieces being included in collections of international Modern Art museums and galleries.

Marcello Fantoni “Satiro innamorato” vase, Florence, Italy circa 1950s £600

June 25, 2019Ceramics1950's, 20th century design, afterglow retro, alla moda, art, Bitossi, brutalist, ceramics, cubist, design, duomo, fantoni, figure, fine art ceramics, florence, home decor, interior design, italian design, italian pottery, marcello fantoni, midcentury home decor, midcentury modern, midcentury pottery, modern art, modernism, pottery, Raymor, satiro innamorato, sculpture, style, Vase, vintage home decorafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a stunning and rare Marcello Fantoni vase, made in Florence, Italy circa 1950s.

So characteristic of his work, with a highly stylised sgraffito Cubist figure very similar to his iconic figure of a woman “Satiro innamorato” sculptures. With multicoloured glossy glazes against an earthy organic style base on an unusual gourd form, with a contrasting bright blue interior.

The vase has a handpainted mark to the base ‘Fantoni Italy, with the ‘Duomo’ symbol based on Florence’s Cathedral’s dome.

Measures 17.5 x 11 x 6cm / 7 x 4.5 x 2.5in.

In excellent condition, no chips, cracks or crazing.

Gebruder Conradt ‘Venezia’ plate, 1950’s West German pottery

August 27, 2015Ceramics1950's, 1950's ceramics, abstract, art pottery, Bowl, Conradt, cubist, dish, etsy, etsy vintage, fat lava, Gebruder Conradt, geometric, mid century modern, mid century pottery, modern art, modernist, plate, retro, studio pottery, Venezia, vintage, west german potteryafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a stunning mid century plate / bowl / dish in the ‘Venezia’ decor by Walther Conradt for Gebruder Conradt, West Germany circa 1950’s, form no. ’15/2′.

A fantastic design, a shallow bowl / plate with a sloping sides and a rough ovoid shape. With a very graphic decor ‘Venezia’ that is so reminiscent of the 1950’s era. A glossy black base is hand decorated with deep incised lines and filled in with vivid glossy colours in red, yellow and turquoise, geometric, abstract and reflecting trends in Modern art and design in the 1950’s. The underneath is also glossily glazed in turquoise blue.

A wonderful rare piece by this smaller lesser known art pottery.

Perfect as a decorative display piece, as part of a grouping or to use on a desk, coffee / side table, sideboard or mantelpiece as a trinket / jewellery / pin dish, desk tidy, paperweight etc.

Would make a great addition to any collection of West German / studio / art pottery and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, minimalist or contemporary styled interior.

In great condition, no chips or cracks, there is some wear and light scratches to the glossy glazes in the bowl, and a couple of flakes of missing glaze on the rim, reflected in the price, and still displays well.

Measures 22 x 17 x 3.5cm / 8.75 x 6.75 x 1.5in.

Available in my Etsy shop: http://etsy.me/1JlIY3C

Large pottery ‘Cavallo’ horse sculpture by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s

August 27, 2015Ceramics1960's, afterglow retro, Aldo Londi, alla moda, Bitossi, bitossi ceramiche, bitossi horse, brighton, cavallo, ceramics, etsy, etsy vintage, home decor, horse, interior design, italian pottery, mid century, mustard, pottery, Sahara, sculpture, yellowafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a stunning large vintage Bitossi Ceramiche pottery horse, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

A wonderful stylised form to this ‘Cavallo’ (Horse) sculpture, designed by Aldo Londi in 1963. Resembling ancient clay horses made in Greece, Rome or China, very solid and imposing in stature.

Beautifully detailed and decorated with impressed motifs and with a rough texture to the finish created using crushed granules in the clay, characteristic of Bitossi’s output and these techniques can be seen on the iconic ‘Rimini Blu’ pieces. Beautiful glossy layered mustard yellow glazes possibly a precursor to the ‘Sahara’ range, reminiscent of the sun and sand of the desert.

Would make a fantastic display piece, and would look great in any 60’s, 70’s, retro, vintage, mid century modern, modernist or contemporary interior. A great addition to any collection of Bitossi / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

Unmarked to the base as is common with these pieces.

In great condition, no chips or cracks, there are a few small glaze flakes which have been previously coloured (see picture) could be painted over, do not detract overall.

Measures 32 x 29 x 12.5cm / 12.5 x 11.5 x 5in.

Overseas buyers please enquire about shipping costs, as this is a heavy item, weighing over 3kg, combined postage may be available.

Available in my Etsy shop : http://etsy.me/1PAjPpq

Bernard Rooke handbuilt stoneware studio pottery vase, 1960’s / 70’s, England

May 28, 2015Ceramics1960's, 1960s pottery, 1970's, bernard rooke, Bernard Rooke vase, brighton etsy, brighton vintage, brutalist, english, English studio pottery, etsy, handbuilt, mid century, modernist, retro home decor, stoneware, studio pottery, vintage decor, vintage etsyafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a stunning stoneware studio pottery vase, by Bernard Rooke, England circa 1960’s / 70’s.

A wonderful handbuilt sculptural stoneware vase from this renowned potter. Either from his early pottery in London where he worked with Alan Wallwork or late 1960’s / early 1970’s when he was based in Swilland, Suffolk. A graduate of Goldsmiths College, he was also a lecturer there and at London University. His work was sculptural and handbuilt using coils and blocks, with organic natural earth tones and impressed, relief and carved abstract motifs.

This bulbous vase has a chunky cylindrical central section, with a small neck and a circular opening, which shows the hand made nature of construction with crimps and folds visible.

The sides have carved / impressed motifs of interlocking cogs / cartwheels, a stylised modernist brutalist feel, so reminiscent of the era. These are glazed in a rough matte reddish terracotta colour, against a backdrop of greys and browns with an ancient and mottled burnt appearance.

Has the ‘Rooke’ impressed mark to the top of one side.

Would make a fantastic addition to any collection of Bernard Rooke ceramics, British / European studio pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 1960’s, 1970’s, mid century, modernist, brutalist, minimalist or contemporary interior.

In excellent condition, no cracks or chips.

Measures 14 x 14 x 11cm / 5.5 x 5.5 x 4.5in.

I have lots more retro, vintage and collectable items in my shop, take a look around, I will always combine shipping when possible! http://etsy.me/1Kvcs3t

‘Rimini Blu’ cat by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche, Italian pottery circa 1970’s

January 20, 2015Ceramics1960's, 1970's, Aldo Londi, animal figure, Bitossi, Bitossi cat, blue, brighton, cat, Cer Paoli, ceramiche, etsy, home decor, interior design, italian pottery, mid century, modernist, pop art, retro, rimini blu, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

Happy 2015! Only a couple of weeks into the New Year and I have already had a few exciting finds, including this lovely Bitossi Ceramiche ‘Rimini Blu’ cat. Designed by Aldo Londi in the late 1960’s in the classic decor and colours that are so reminiscent of the Mediterranean and the mid century modernist era. Super stylish with wonderful character, a beautiful piece to accessorise any sideboard, mantelpiece or table and would fit perfectly into any Bitossi or Italian pottery collection.

This was made for the shop Cer Paoli for a limited time in the early 1970’s hence their mark and not that of Bitossi on the base, and was sold on the Rimini Coast in the place that inspired the decor!

Here’s hoping for more great little gems like this for the rest of the year!

Large table cigarette lighter, Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s

September 14, 2014Ceramics, Collectables1960's, Aldo Londi, Bitossi, brighton, ceramiche, ceramics, cigarette lighter, coffee table, decor, Desk, etsy, italian pottery, large, made in Italy, mcm, mid century, modern, paisley, pottery, retro, rimini, Rosenthal Netter, spagnolo, table lighter, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a beautiful and large table cigarette / cigar lighter by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s.

A fabulous piece designed by Aldo Londi, a striking style very different to the iconic ‘Rimini Blu’. This ‘Liberty’ decor was influenced by paisley patterns on imported Persian and Indian textiles.
This is in an unusual colourway similar to that used on the ‘Spagnolo’ decor, in yellow, orange, brown and green tones, representing the Spanish terrain.

The pattern is impressed into the surface, and the whole piece has the characteristic pitted texture from the inclusion of rough granules in the clay. Lovely form with the tapered waisted base and bulbous neck, with the brass lighter sitting in a well on the top.

A wonderful piece from one of the greatest designers and ceramicists of the 20th century that
would make a fantastic practical table lighter or display item, and would look great in any 60’s, retro, vintage, mid century modern, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior. A Great addition to any collection of Bitossi / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

In excellent working condition, the mechanism still has a wick and the flint sparks, will need filling with lighter fluid. The pottery is excellent, free from chips or cracks, some light crazing commensurate with age, nothing to detract on display.

Measures 18 x 7 x 7cm / 7 x 2.75 x 2.75in.

Still bears the original makers and distributors labels on the base, ‘Made in Italy 69 / 10’ and ‘Created in Italy for Rosenthal Netter’.

Available for sale in my Etsy shop http://etsy.me/Xgvt3G

Ruscha Keramik ‘Pompeji’ handled vase, West Germany circa 1960’s

September 7, 2014Ceramics1960's, afterglow retro, brighton, ceramics, etsy, fat lava, Gerda Heuckeroth, mid century, modernist, Otto Gerharz, Pompeii, Pompeji, pottery, retro, ruscha, Ruscha Keramik, vintage, vulkano, West Germanafterglowretro One comment

This is a stunning ‘Pompeji / Pompeii’ handled vase, made by Ruscha Keramik, West Germany circa late 1960’s.

A fantastic form by Gerda Heuckeroth in 1968, its squat shape with small decorative handles, ribbed body and small neck and opening resembling ancient / classical designs.

With its ‘Fat Lava’ glaze complementing the archaic look, it could have been unearthed from volcanic ashes!
With its bubbling black base glaze, picked out with orangey reds and hints of green and yellow giving a really lava-like appearance and suiting its ‘Pompeii’ name in the process. The decor is most likely by Otto Gerharz who developed the innovative ‘Vulkano’ glaze amongst many others.

Would make a fantastic addition to any collection of Fat Lava, West German or European pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, brutalist, minimalist or contemporary interior.

Indistinct moulded mark to the base ‘875’.

In excellent condition, no chips or cracks, some burst ‘lava’ bubbles from production.

Measures 11 x 13 x 12cm / 4.5 x 5 x 4.75in.

This vase is available for sale in my Etsy shop http://etsy.me/1AlRjzu

Marcello Fantoni ‘Regency lady’ bowl, made in Italy circa 1950’s

August 29, 2014Ceramics1950's, al duomo, antiques, Bowl, collectables, fantoni, florence, florentine pottery, girl, historical, italian pottery, italy, lady, marcello fantoni, mid century ceramics, modern art, pottery, regency, retro, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a stunning and rare Marcello Fantoni bowl, made in Italy circa 1950’s.

A wonderful decor, with a handpainted girl in Regency period costume, with a feathered bonnet, bows and parasol, beautifully stylised. All in muted colours, yellow, grey, black and white, on a finely textured base. Influenced by modern artists of the mid century era and displaying hallmarks of Fantoni’s style.
A lovely deep circular form, more of a display piece than a practical bowl or dish. The underside is accentuated by a gently undulating handpainted line, emphasizing the simplicity and craftsmanship of the piece.

Marcello Fantoni was one of the greatest ceramicists and designers of the 20th century, his pieces were influenced by ancient Etruscan ceramics, and by contemporary modern artists of the mid century era. Incorporating elements of Modernism / Cubism and Abstraction, this led to his pieces being included in collections of international Modern Art museums and galleries.

This decor in vase form can be seen in Mark Hill’s ‘Alla Moda’ Italian ceramics book.

The bowl has a handpainted mark to the base ‘Fantoni Italy, with the ‘Duomo’ symbol based on Florence’s Cathedral’s dome.

A Great addition to any collection of Fantoni / Raymor / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design. Would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, 1950’s, 1960’s, minimalist or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no chips, cracks or crazing.

Measures 13 x 13 x 4cm / 5.25 x 5.25 x 1.5in.

Available for sale in my Etsy shop http://etsy.me/1zSnDd4

Tea cup and saucer / cake plate, April by Maureen Tanner for Foley Bone China, Staffordshire, England mid 1950’s

August 23, 2014Ceramics1950's bone china, 1950's pottery, 1950's teaset, april, bone china, cake plate, english bone china, flowers, foley bone china, lady, made in england, maureen tanner, mid century china, retro kitchenalia, staffordshire, tea cup, vintage homewares, vintage tablewareafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a beautiful tea cup and saucer / cake plate set, made by Foley Bone China, Staffordshire, England circa mid 1950’s.

A fantastic design by Maureen Tanner, ‘April’ inspired by her travels around Italy after studying at the Royal College of Art. Made of quality bone china / porcelain and decorated with transfer prints of a girl / lady holding a mirror, surrounded by motifs of flowers and leaves, a delightful illustration picked out in yellow and pink.

So reminiscent of the 1950’s mid century era, very stylish and perfect as practical vintage tableware or for display.

Would make a great addition to any collection of English bone china / porcelain and would complement any retro, vintage, 1950’s, mid century, kitsch or contemporary interior.

In excellent condition, no marks, chips or crazing.

The plate measures 22 x 22 x 1.5cm / 8.75 x 8.75 x 0.5in.

The cup measures 6.5 x 10 x 8.5cm / 2.75 x 4 x 3.5in.

Both marked to the base ‘April designed by Maureen Tanner Foley Bone China Made in England’.

Available for sale at my Etsy shop http://etsy.me/1p1q7W6