brutalist

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

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.

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

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.IMG_6698IMG_6699IMG_6700IMG_6704IMG_6706IMG_6707

Studio Laurana Rame D’ Arte enamelled copper wall clock, made in Italy circa 1960’s

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IMG_3316This is a beautiful Studio Laurana Rame D’ Arte enamelled copper wall clock, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

A fantastic design from this ‘copper art’ studio founded by Franco Bastianelli in Pesaro, Italy in 1958.

Stunning Italian modernist / brutalist style very reminiscent of the work of Curtis Jere and Marcello Fantoni during the mid century era.

The clock face is made of copper, with indentations and holes roughly hewn around the rim, embellished with shimmering fiery multicoloured enamelled glazes. In the middle are raised glassy droplets to roughly mark the time.

Fitted with a very reliable German Kienzle movement and lovely period brass hands.

Would make a prefect addition for any mid century, modernist, brutalist, 1950’s, 1960’s, vintage, retro or contemporary interior as a practical piece of wall art!

In excellent condition, a little crazing to the thick enamel as is common with these pieces, nothing to detract on display. In fully working order, keeping good time, takes one size C. 1.5V battery not included.

Measures 30 x 30 x 5.5cm / 12 x 12 x 2.25in.

Hand signed to the back with the artists name (indistinct) and partially under the mechanism.

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

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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

Studio Laurana Rame D’ Arte enamelled copper wall clock, made in Italy circa 1960’s

This is a Beautiful Studio Laurana Rame D’ Arte enamelled copper wall clock, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

A Fantastic design from this ‘copper art’ studio founded by Franco Bastianelli in Pesaro, Italy in 1958.

Stunning Italian modernist / brutalist style very reminiscent of the work of Curtis Jere and Marcello Fantoni during the mid century era.

The clock face is made of copper, with indentations and holes roughly hewn around the rim, embellished with shimmering fiery multicoloured enamelled glazes. In the middle are raised glassy droplets to roughly mark the time.

Fitted with a very reliable German Kienzle movement and lovely period brass hands, and a pink sweeping secondhand.

Would make a prefect addition for any mid century, modernist, brutalist, 1950’s, 1960’s, vintage, retro or contemporary interior as a practical piece of wall art!

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches, a little kink in the secondhand, nothing to detract on display. In fully working order, takes one size C. 1.5V battery not included.

Measures 25 x 25 x 5cm / 10 x 10 x 2in.

Hand signed to the back with the artists name (indistinct).

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

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Brutalist boy / girl studio pottery figure

As the year end approaches, thought I would share my favourite find of the year. This striking Brutalist style boy / girl double sided pottery figure.
Its sitting in my collection at the moment, on display of course, awaiting more info.
Unmarked and measuring 23 x 19 x 7cm / 9 x 7.5 x 2.75in, and weighing a hefty 2kg for its size! Wonderfully crafted with its clever geometric inlaid construction, glazed and unglazed components, and featuring a different stylised figure on each side.

Most likely a studio piece, possibly Danish and in the style of modernist designers such as Paul Evans, its a mystery that hopefully will be solved in 2014!

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Dutch ‘Fat Lava’ Vase / Candleholder by Vest Keramiek circa 1970’s

This is a Wonderful miniature ‘Fat Lava’ style vase / ornament / paperweight / candleholder.

These pieces were handmade by Marius van Woerden, at his Vest Keramiek studio pottery in Gouda, Netherlands circa early 1970’s.

A Very unusual form, the disc like body has a round opening at the top which has a similar sized footing below, and two smaller circular feet, very abstract and brutalist in appearance. Much like a miniature UFO. Could be used in various ways or just admired as a lovely piece of Avant Garde studio pottery.

The characteristic glaze is very similar to ‘Fat Lava’ West German pottery, the crusty pumice like glazes in various earthy tones are very organic and unusual.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of Dutch / European / Studio / Fat Lava pottery, and would complement any mid century, retro, vintage, minimalist, brutalist, modernist, rustic or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Stamped R1 to the base.

Measures 4.5 x 9 x 9cm / 1.75 x 3.5 x 3.5in.

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Walther Glass large bowl, Space Age yellow bubble design, West Germany circa 1960’s / 70’s.

This is a Beautiful Walther Glas (Glass) large bowl / dish, West Germany circa 1960’s / 70’s.

A Fantastic design, the large circular bowl in clear glass is adorned with clusters of bubble formations in clear and yellow glass. The bowl sits on the larger bubbles around the base rim and the patterns continue on the base and up the sides.

They create fabulous optical effects and catch the light beautifully with a lovely glow from the addition of the yellow bubbles! Makes for a Stunning statement piece of Art Glass, very reminiscent of the Space Age / Pop Art / Psychedelic era.

Would be perfect for use as a fruit / serving bowl, to grace any sideboard or as a table centrepiece filled with flowers or floating candles.

A Great addition to any retro, vintage, 60’s, 70’s, space age, modernist, mid century, brutalist, minimalist or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition no marks, chips or scratches. Still bears most of the original company logo sticker.

Measures 18.5 x 18.5 x 6cm / 7.25 x 7.25 x 2.5in.

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