ceramics

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Vallauris ‘Fat Lava’ studio pottery vase, France circa 1960’s

May 19, 2013Ceramics1960's, abstract, afterglow retro, brighton, ceramics, fat lava, france, french pottery, mediterranean, mid century, picasso, retro, studio pottery, vallauris, Vase, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Stunning Vallauris Studio pottery vase, France circa 1960’s.

Characteristic of Studio pieces of the era from this region, with the classical double handled form, and the very crusty volcanic glaze in turquoise over a white base. Highlighted with flamelike drip glossy glazes in red and orange.

Very similar to ‘Fat Lava’ decors from Germany, very Striking and Vibrant with its coral like appearance and contrasting glossy ‘flame’. A Real Statement piece of European Art Pottery.

Vallauris is a pottery region in south-eastern France, Picasso lived here from 1948 – 55 and greatly contributed to the renaissance of the pottery industry, this legendary golden age when everyone was a potter, including famous ceramicists Roger Capron and Charles Voltz. His influence is clearly seen in the abstracted forms of pieces such as this vase.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of European studio pottery, and would complement Vallauris or Fat Lava pieces. A perfect vase for any retro, vintage, 1950’s, 1960’s, kitsch, mid century modern, modernist or contemporary interior.

In Great Condition, a few of the bubbles may be ‘burst’ due to the extreme crusty glaze, pictured are one on the rim and base. They do not detract from the overall ‘Fat Lava’ look. The glossy glazes are crazing free, no chips or cracks!

Measures 27 x 15 x 15cm / 10.5 x 6 x 6in.

Set of 4 handled bowls by Robert Picault, Vallauris, France circa 1950’s / 60’s

February 20, 2013Ceramicsabstract, antique, art, bowls, capron, ceramics, design, france, home decor, mediterranean, mid century, picasso, picault, retro, studio pottery, vallauris, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Beautiful Set of 4 handled bowls by Robert Picault, Vallauris, France circa 1950’s / 60’s.

Vallauris is a pottery region in south-eastern France, Picasso lived here from 1948 – 55 and greatly contributed to the renaissance of the pottery industry, this legendary golden age when everyone was a potter, including famous ceramicists Roger Capron and Charles Voltz. Their influence is clearly seen in the abstracted forms of pieces such as these handled bowls.

Picault had worked with Capron and was a friend of Picasso’s. His handpainted style used Mediterranean colours, turquoise blue, green and brown with repeated geometric abstract motifs. Each of these bowls has a different pattern, but are all united in the glazes used and motifs carried across each piece.

The handles of the largest 3 pieces have holes to allow for hanging, so could make a great wall or dresser display.

Would make a Fantastic addition to any collection of Vallauris / French / European / Studio pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, 50’s, 60’s, Mediterranean, French or contemporary styled interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Measuring: Largest 20 x 13 x 5cm / 8 x 5 x 2in.

2 x Middle size 17 x 10.5 x 4.5cm / 6.75 x 4.25 x 1.75in.

Smallest 11 x 7 x 2.5cm / 4.5 x 2.75 x 1in.

Set of 3 Dumler & Breiden West German Art Pottery Vases circa 1970’s

January 2, 2013Ceramicsantique, art, auction, breiden, brighton, ceramics, collectable, design, dumler, fat lava, op art, pottery, retro, seventies, sixties, Vase, vintage, West Germanafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Beautiful set of 3 Dumler & Breiden vases, West Germany circa 1970’s.

These Wonderful vases are representative of the outlandish designs by this renowned high quality Art Pottery. The forms all feature a ‘Bullseye’ motif for the body of the vase, a style seen with Op / Pop art designs of the era. The handles and necks reference traditional ancient forms and also have the appearance of carved horn adding to the effect.

They all sit on rond pedestal bases, making them an elegant and attractive set.

The decor and glazes are a mixture of ‘Pumice’ like rough ‘Fat Lava’ glazes, and glossy dripping foamy glazes. All in various cream / beige and brown shades, very natural and organic.

A Stunning Trio that would make an attractive grouping on a mantelpiece, sideboard or as a table centrepiece!

A Fantastic Set that would make a Great addition to any collection of Fat Lava / Wset German / European Art Pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 60’s / 70’s, minimal, shabby chic, boho or contemporary interior.

All In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Measuring:

33 x 19 x 11cm / 13 x 7.5 x 4.5in.

22 x 14 x 8cm / 8.75 x 5.5 x 3.25in.

19 x 14 x 8cm / 7.5 x 5.5 x 3.25in.

All marked to the base with the D & B logo :

1124/33 GERMANY

1121/22 GERMANY

1120/18 GERMANY

Vintage Italian Fratelli Fanciullacci Baluster Vase circa 1960’s

December 20, 2012Ceramics60's, abstract, alla moda, art, Baluster, ceramic artists, ceramics, design, era, fanciullacci, fat lava, fratelli, Handmade, italian, mid century, pottery, pottery art, pottery marks, retro, Vase, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Great Fratelli Fanciullacci baluster vase, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Beautiful piece from one of the leading postwar Italian potteries. Their modern styles were inspired by the art movement and new ceramic designs of the mid century era. Their designs reflected the growth in European studio pottery, and were similarly entirely handmade.

The clean-lined geometric form, with the conical neck is accentuated by the two bands of carved and glazed motifs. Brightly coloured in green and orange glossy glazes, they jump out from the pumice like, textured, black and white background, which has repeated impressed square dots adding to the decor.

A Wonderful vase, stylish and colourful, the same form with a different glaze can be seen on p.129 of Mark Hill’s ‘Alla Moda’ Italian Ceramics book.

Would make a Fantastic addition to any collection of Italian / European / Studio / Fat Lava pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 60’s, mid century, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Hand marked to the base 8627 ITALY.

Measures 25.5 x 12 x 12cm / 10 x 4.75 x 4.75in.

Ruscha Keramik 320/2 handled vase, designed by Heinz Siery, West Germany circa 1960’s

December 14, 2012Ceramics1960's, 320/2, art, ceramic artists, ceramics, fat lava, heinz siery, japanese, jug, keramik, mid century, oriental, pottery, pottery marks, retro, ruscha, Vase, vintage, vulkanoafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Stunning Rare and Unusual Ruscha Keramik vase 320/2, West Germany circa 1960’s.

Ruscha was founded in 1948 by Rudolph Schardt and produced high quality pieces, they were renowned for their early experiments with glazes such as the ‘Vulkano’ glaze from 1959 one of the first ‘Fat Lava’ glazes.
This classic stylish form was designed by Heinz Siery, the bulbous body topped with a beautifully proportioned decorative handle and small neck.

The mottled matte glaze has turquoise, blue , grey and black colours and a fine pumice like texture. The motifs are tube lined in black and suggest stylised Japanese characters. Giving a very Mid Century Modern Oriental / Asian inspired look to the vase.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of West German / Fat Lava / European pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, 60’s, minimal or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches, there is one small hole in the tube lined glaze, probably from production, in the last photo.

Marked to the base 320/2 with indistinct stamped black lettering.

Measures 18 x 12 x 12cm / 7 x 4.75 x 4.75in.