Ceramics

Bitossi ‘Pinguino’ in ‘Rimini Blu’ designed by Aldo Londi, Italy circa 1959

September 13, 2013Ceramics1950's, afterglow retro, Aldo Londi, Bitossi, bitossi animal, bitossi figure, brighton, btnetsy, etsy, italian pottery, mid century, modernist, penguin, pinguino, retro, rimini blu, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Fantastic Large Rimini Blu ‘Pinguino’ (Penguin) money box / figurine, by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Striking form, the stylised Penguin has a bulbous body with small wings on the sides, small cut out holes for eyes and a conical beak on the domed head. With a cutout on the back for coins and a plastic stopper in the base for retrieving them. Perfect as a classy moneybox or as a sculptural piece to display in its own right.

A Fabulous design by Aldo Londi from 1959, in the striking iconic ‘Rimini Blu’, With its alternating bands of impressed motifs resembling Arabesque or Runic patterns, it is influenced by the new trends in art and design in the mid century period. Beautiful glossy layered blue and turquoise glazes evoke the colours of the Mediterranean Sea.

A Wonderful, Rare and Unusual piece from one of the greatest designers and ceramicists of the 20th century.

Would look great in any 50’s, 60’s, 70’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 Great Condition, the front of the beak has been previously chipped and repainted, doesn’t detract on display, could easily be smoothed or repainted if desired. A few small flakes of missing glaze as is common with this style of rough glazed ceramics.

Indistinct hand painted mark to the base, series of numbers and Italy.

Measures 22 x 13 x 13cm / 8.5 x 5 x 5in.

Marcello Fantoni lamp base, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

August 28, 2013Ceramics1960's, 20th century design, afterglow retro, brighton, cubist, etruscan, fantoni, fantoni ceramics, fantoni lampbase, fantoni pottery, iconic design, italian pottery, lovebirds, marcello fantoni, mid century modern, modernist, pottery lampbase, retro, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Stunning and Rare Marcello Fantoni lamp base, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

A Fabulous mid century modernist design. The bold rectangular solid form of the ceramic lamp base in mottled shades of green and black is decorated with abstract motifs, resembling love birds, and a tribal style line motif on one side. The lamp fitting sits in a recessed well on the top, and the wire comes out of a hole on the side.

Marcello Fantoni was one of the greatest ceramicists and designers of the 20th century, his pieces (as can be seen here) 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.

A Wonderful practical lighting / display piece, 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 Fantoni / Raymor / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

Fully working, lovely original brass fitting, wiring and bulb holder could be replaced to suit your requirements. As with all vintage electrical items, should be rewired and tested by a professional electrician.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches to the pottery, some age related patina to the brass, doesn’t detract from the overall look.

The base measures 16 x 15 x 6cm / 6.25 x 6 x 2.5in. Height to top of bulb holder is 26cm / 10in.

Hand marked to the base Fantoni Italy, and also incised mark Fantoni to side.

Scheurich ‘Wien’ vase, designed by A. Seide, W.Germany circa early 1970’s

August 18, 2013Ceramics1970's, a seide, afterglow retro, brighton, brighton antique, brighton style, fat lava, pop art, pop art decor, retro style, scheurich vase, space age, vienna, vintage brighton, wein, wein vase, West German, west german pottery, wgpafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Beautiful Scheurich ‘Wien’ (Vienna) vase, designed by A. Seide, made in W.Germany circa early 1970’s.

A Fantastic form, the ‘Wein’ series is bulb like, with its rounded bulbous base, and triple ribbed neck, reminiscent of ‘Bibendum ‘ Michelin Man’.
A Striking decor, with the matte pumice like black and yellow glazes mottled and dripping down to a glossy vibrant red glaze. Flamelike with a nod to Pop Art and Space Age styles and very in keeping with the ‘Fat Lava’ designs of the era.

A Colourful statement piece, sculptural in its own right, and a perfect bright retro encapsulation of the era!

Great as an addition to any collection of Fat Lava / West German pottery, and would be a superb vase to brighten up any retro, vintage, 60’s, 70’s, pop art, space age or contemporary styled interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Measures 23 x 15 x 15cm / 9 x 6 x 6in.

Moulded mark to the base 269 – 22 W.GERMANY

Bagni Ceramiche lamp base, made in Italy circa 1960’s

August 15, 2013Ceramics1960's, abstract, afterglow retro, alvino bagni, bagni ceramiche, bagni lamp base, cubist, fat lava, italian pottery, mad men decor, mad men style, mid century lamp, mid century modern, orange and red, raymor pottery, retro brighton, vintage brighton, vintage etsyafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Stunning Bagni Ceramiche lamp base, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

A Fantastic piece displaying the hallmarks of Alvino Bagni’s designs during the mid century era. Made of red clay to give a rough textured surface, similar to that of Bitossi pieces.
Covered with a matte dark chocolate brown glaze, and decorated with a wonderful abstract modernist geometric pattern in red and orange glossy glazes.
Lovely simple elegant bottle form, making this a perfect table lamp but also a striking piece of sculptural vintage Italian pottery.

A Wonderful practical lighting / display pieces, 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 Bagni / Raymor / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

In need of rewiring, will be sold as is for you to add fittings of your choice and suitable for your region, a very easy job that will make this a stunning functional lamp!

In Great Condition, a little wear on the top of the lamp, but this would be hidden by a new fitting and brass plate once rewired. also the underneath of the base has chips around the holes, not visible on display, could also be covered.

Measures 28.5 x 9.5 x 9.5cm / 11.25 x 3.75 x 3.75in.

Hand marked to the base 0 / 1415 ITALY.

Bertoncello large sculptural ashtray / bowl, Italy circa early 1970’s

August 2, 2013Ceramics1960's, 1970's, afterglow retro, alla moda, ashtray, barbara hepworth, bertoncello, Bowl, brighton, henry moore, italian pottery, mid century modern, modernist, retro, sculptural, tabacco, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Stunning and Beautiful Bertoncello large sculptural ashtray / bowl, made by the Italian pottery circa 1960’s / early 1970’s.

An iconic sculptural piece of Retro Italian ceramic design by the famous Bertoncello Ceramiche D’Arte. In their trademark style abstract and sculptural and modernist. With dramatic curves, rounded corners, pierced holes and geometric, monumental forms, recalling the works of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth and architecture of the era.

Very Space Age / Op / Pop Art in form with its circular form, the top having an offset circular bowl and 4 cigarette rests on each side, themselves a striking graphic design. The sides have cut out recesses and a hole / handle, all wonderfully rounded giving a stylised ‘double decker’ appearance.
Fabulous mottled brown and beige glazes ‘Tabacco’ style, reminiscent of ‘Fat Lava’ pottery.

Due to its highly sculptural impressive form this piece could be used for its original purpose, or as a candleholder, display piece, desk / table accessory or centrepiece bowl.

A Wonderful stylish piece that would be great as part of any collection of Italian or European Art Pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, 60’s, 70’s, minimal or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches, hand painted mark inside ‘897’. The bottom rim has a felt pad to prevent scratching.

Measures 19 x 19 x 8cm / 7.5 x 7.5 x 3.25in.

‘Rimini Blu’ triple vase, by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s

July 26, 2013Ceramics1960's, Aldo Londi, alla moda, Bitossi, blue, desk tidy, dexter style, italian pottery, mad men style, mediterranean, mid century modern, mid century vase, retro, rimini blu, trio vase, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Fantastic ‘Rimini Blu’ piece, by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s.

Striking form, the trio of cylindrical vases / pots are joined in a lovely cluster of alternating heights. Very sculptural, perfect for use as vases, as a desk tidy, pen / brush holder or as a centrepiece or to display in its own right.

A Fabulous design by Aldo Londi from the mid 1950’s, in the striking iconic ‘Rimini Blu’, With its alternating bands of impressed motifs resembling Arabesque or Runic patterns, it is influenced by the new trends in art and design in the mid century period. Beautiful glossy layered blue and turquoise glazes evoke the colours of the Mediterranean Sea.

A Wonderful, Rare and Unusual piece from one of the greatest designers and ceramicists of the 20th century.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches. Still bears the original paper label on the base ‘Made in Italy’.

Measures 15.5 x 11 x 11cm / 6 x 4.5 x 4.5in.

Black and Gold trio by Jasba Keramik, West Germany circa 1950’s

July 5, 2013Ceramics1950's, 1960's, afterglow retro, black and gold, brighton, jasba keramik, mid century modern, mini collection, pottery set, retro ceramics, retro style, trio of vases, vintage decor, vintage pottery, West German, west german potteryafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Beautiful trio of small decorative jugs and a bowl by Jasba Keramik, West Germany circa 1950’s.

Striking mid century style, very reminiscent of the 1950’s era. Two jugs with angled handles, one being squat and the other tapered, and a bulbous bowl / pot.

All have the same Fantastic decor, in a glossy black glaze with Gold applied around the rims and the handles. With yellow, blue, turquoise and white feathery stripes and applied elliptical red dots.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of West German or European Pottery and would complement any retro, vintage, 50’s, 60’s, mid century, Hollywood regency or contemporary styled interior.

In Excellent Condition, no chips , some wear to the gilt edges, few very light surface marks, nothing detracts on display.

Measuring: Tall Jug 12 x 6 x 6cm / 4.75 x 2.5 x 2.5in.
Squat Jug 10 x 9 x 9cm / 4 x 3.5 x 3.5in.
Bowl 6 x 7 x 7cm / 2.5 x 2.75 x 2.75in

The bases all have moulded form numbers, but they are not readable, one is stamped Foreign.

Train money box, Bertoncello Ceramiche D’Arte, Italy circa 1960’s

June 6, 2013Ceramics1960's, afterglowretro, alla moda, bertoncello, brighton, ceramics, italian, money box, orange, piggy bank, pottery, retro, steam train, train, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Stunning Train money box / piggy bank, attributed to Bertoncello Ceramiche D’Arte, Italy circa late 1960’s / 70’s.

A Wonderful stylised form, the lovely cartoon like Locomotive / Steam train has great detailing, a slot in the top for coins and a stopper on the base.

In a fantastic Bright and Glossy orangey red glaze, with handpainted details in green, white, and fantastic blue and yellow foamy glazes, very reminiscent of the Pop Art / Flower Power / Psychedelic era! Pieces with this glaze and decor were made by the renowned Bertoncello during this period, and are scarcer than their more subdued pieces.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of money boxes, piggy banks, Italian or European pottery. Perfect appeal for a kids room, or as home decor for any 1960’s / 70’s / pop art / psychedelic / Mediterranean / minimal or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, still has the original stopper, no chips, marks, scratches or crazing.

Measures 16.5 x 7.5 x 12cm / 6.5 x 3 x 4.75in.

The base is hand marked 014 ITALY and is made using white clay, as is characteristic for this output.

Steuler Keramik vase, 445 / 15, West Germany circa late 1960’s

May 28, 2013Ceramics1960's, 1970's, afterglow retro, brighton, cari zalloni, fat lava, keramik, orange brown, pop art, retro, space age, steuler, Vase, vintage, West German, wgpafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Great Steuler Keramik vase, West Germany circa late 1960’s / early 70’s.

A Fantastic piece of retro West German art pottery from one of the lesser known makers. Probably designed by the renowned Cari Zalloni who created space age / optical pieces for them during this period.
The vase has a squat rectangular form, rounded on all corners and with recesses to the largest sides. Topped off with a chimney-like neck and double banded rim.
The top has a lovely vibrant matte orange glaze with a pumice texture. A black tube lined ‘lava’ glaze separates this from the lower earthy organic foamy drip glazes in cream and brown, with a matte pumice effect.

A Great addition to any collection of West German / Fat Lava / European Art Pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 60’s, pop art, space age, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches. There are a few small burst bubbles of missing glaze which appear to be from production, they do not detract from the look on display.

Measures 18 x 10 x 15 cm / 7 x 4 x 6in.

The base has the Steuler mark and the form no. 445 / 15.

Vintage Florentine leather backed pottery, Italy circa 1960’s

May 23, 2013Ceramics, Collectables1960's, alla moda, Bowl, coccio, desimone, dish, fantoni, florence, florentine, italian pottery, italy, leather backed, mid century, pip rest, retro, sgraffito, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

Theses designs are typical of the ouput of the potteries in and around Florence during the mid century era, the sgraffito and highly coloured and glazed motifs resembling Marcello Fantoni’s work. All leather backed, and their small size and novelty value made them popular gifts and souvenirs and were widely exported. The pipe rest is a rare and unusual piece with its sloping curved form, the smallest bowl is signed ‘Coccio.

All 3 pieces are available over at my Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/afterglowretro