atomic era

Volpi Deruta starburst vase, Italy circa 1950’s

September 26, 2015Uncategorizedatomic era, deruta, eames era, etsy, home decor, interior design, italian pottery, kitsch, Maiolica Derutese Volpi, mid century, retro, serafino volpi, Starburst, Vase, vintage, volpiafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a beautiful vase made by Volpi Deruta, Italy circa mid 1950’s.
A great rare and unusual piece from Maiolica Derutese Volpi, showcasing Serafino Volpi’s adventurous forms and decors.
Stunning form, so reminiscent of the era with its asymmetric, curving bud-like form inspired by nature.

The decor is superb, on a glossy white base are raised white dots, labour-intensively hand applied with a pump. These lay all over on top of bright multicoloured hand-painted starburst motifs. The interior contrasts eye poppingly with a bright glossy blue glaze!

Would make a fantastic addition to any collection of Italian, studio, European art pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 1950’s, mid century, kitsch or contemporary interior.

Hand marked to the base ‘Foreign 4117/17’.

In excellent condition, no marks, chips or scratches, a couple of tiny burst bubbles in the glaze from production, nothing to detract on display.

Measures 17 x 10 x 8cm / 7 x 4 x 3.25in.

Italian pottery jug / vase by S. Volpi studio circa mid 1950’s

December 12, 2013Ceramics1950's, 1950's vase, afterglow retro, atomic era, brighton retro, brighton vintage, italian pottery, italian studio pottery, Maiolica Derutese, mid century, mid century ceramics, mid century pottery, retro vase, s volpi, serafino volpi, snakes, Starburst, studio pottery, volpi derutaafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Beautiful vase / jug made by the S. Volpi pottery studio, Italy circa mid 1950’s.

A Great rare piece from the studio pottery of Serafino Volpi, set up after he left his company Maiolica Derutese Volpi, to persue non traditional adventurous forms and decors.

Stunning form, so reminiscent of the era with its bulbous body and curved slanting rim / spout, balanced by a large squared decorative handle.

The decor is Superb, on a glossy white base are raised random white squiggles and sgraffito lines. Colourful handpainted stylised motifs adorn the whole body, a pair of snakes, starbursts, bright blocks of solid colour and pink dots. The handle contrast nicely in pink with gold dots and gilt edges, which carries around the rim of the spout.

Would make a Fantastic addition to any collection of Italian / Studio / European pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 1950’s, mid century, kitsch or contemporary interior.

Hand marked to the base ‘S. Volpi Deruta 2709’.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Measures 22 x 17 x 14cm / 8.75 x 6.75 x 5.5in.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/172662071/vintage-serafino-volpi-deruta-italian?

Bagni Ceramiche salt and pepper shakers, Italy circa early 1960’s.

October 18, 2013Ceramics1960's, afterglow, alvino bagni, atomic era, bagni ceramic, bagnic pottery, brighton, cruet set, italian pottery, mid century modern, pop art, retro, salt and pepper, Starburst, vintage, vintage styleafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Stunning Pair of Large Bagni Ceramiche salt and pepper shakers, made in Italy circa early 1960’s.

This design, pattern no.42 was created by Alvino Bagni in 1959, the stippled blue glaze features bands of oval wheel and stylised flower / starburst motifs. Reflecting the popular molecular and atomic motifs of the 1950’s. A Wonderful tall hourglass form, very elegant and beautifully proportioned. The flat tops with their large holes for salt and pepper respectively complete the graphic look.

This design can be seen on p.32 of Mark Hill’s ‘Alla Moda’ book. A Fantastic pair from one of the leading Italian ceramicists of the 20th century.

Would look great in any 50’s, 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 Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches. Different stoppers in the bases of each but serve their purpose.

Each measures 19 x 6.5 x 6.5cm / 7.5 x 2.5 x 2.5in.

Hand marked to the base Italy 2840.

Pair of Lucite Paperweights with Underwater Seascenes, circa 1960′s

July 15, 2013Collectables1950's, 1960's, afterglow retro, aquarium, atomic era, brighton, holiday, kitsch decor, lucite, lucite paperweight, mid century modern, Paperweight, resin, retro, summer, underwater scene, vintage, vintage summerafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a really Stunning Pair of coloured Lucite (resin) paperweights, circa 1950’s / 1960’s. Country of origin is unknown but very much in the American Mid Century Modern style.

Great pieces with their Atomic-era style abstract forms, displaying underwater Sea scenes complete with shells, fish, plants and Starfish.
All encased in a blue / yellow / green colour resin block with the backs textured like rippled water, which catches the light beautifully and glows amazingly due to the form and colour.

A Striking and unusual pair that could be used as paperweights, bookends, desk ornaments, centrepieces or just to admire on display.

Really reminiscent of the 50’s / 60’s Atomic Mid-Century Modern Era using new materials with exciting new forms! Would be fantastic in a retro, vintage, or even contemporary or minimal interior due to their bold striking form and colour!

In Great Condition, the large one is Excellent. The smaller one has a few light surface scratches, not noticeable on display and doesn’t detract from the overall look and effect. The usual age related wear on the bases.

Measuring: Larger 19 x 12 x 5cm / 7.5 x 4.75 x 2in.
Smaller 15 x 10 x 5.5cm / 6 x 4 x 2.25in.

Lucite Paperweight with Thermometer and Underwater Seascene, made in France circa 1950’s

March 31, 2013Collectables50's, aquarium, atomic era, Desk, france, home decor, kitsch, lucite, mid century, modernist, Paperweight, resin, retro, seascene, space age, table, thermometer, underwater, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a truly Stunning clear Lucite (resin) paperweight with thermometer, circa 1950’s / 1960/s. In the Mid Century Modern style, believed to be made in France (thermometre on face).

A Great piece, in the shape of a clamshell, and displaying an underwater Sea scene complete with shells, sea plants and a Starfish. All encased in a beautiful clear resin that catches the light amazingly through the contoured edges, contrasted nicely with the black back.

A Striking and unusual item, catches the light beautifully, perfect for use as a desk accessory / paperweight, or on display on a sideboard, windowsill or mantelpiece.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches, the thermometer is still working too!

Measures 13 x 11 x 4.5cm / 5 x 4.5 x 1.75in.