florence

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 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

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

Guido Gambone geometric lidded pottery box, Italy circa 1950’s

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This is a stunning and rare lidded ceramic box by Guido Gambone, Italy circa early 1950’s.

A beautiful piece by one of the greatest ceramic artists of the mid-20th century, showcasing his trademark style. Earthy glazes in brown, green and oatmeal tones are applied masterfully in thick layers, rough and shimmering from added sand and glass, giving an archaic primordial feel.

Lovely decor with the geometric pattern continuing and matching over the lid and sides of the box, the box has a simple rectangular lidded form, perfect for display or use on a desk, side table, mantelpiece etc.

Would make a fantastic addition to any collection of Gambone / Italian / art pottery, 20th century art / design and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, minimalist or contemporary styled interior.

Measures 14 x 10 x 8.5cm / 5.5 x 4 x 3.5in

Hand signed to the base with the hallmark painted donkey motif.

In excellent condition, the exterior and interior of the box is all perfect, the inner rim of the lid has a few glaze flakes and a couple of chips on the very inner rim, not noticeable and do not detract.

More photos are available on request, please enquire if you have any questions.

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

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

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Marcello Fantoni miniature pottery bowl, Florence, Italy circa 1950’s

This is a Stunning and Rare Marcello Fantoni miniature bowl, made in Italy circa 1950’s.

A Wonderful design, with an archaic look, influenced by Etruscan / Ancient Roman pottery, and modern art, Cubism and abstraction. A Lovely curved biomorphic form, more a sculptural piece than a practical bowl or dish.

Fantastic glazes, a vibrant glossy aquamarine blue, a red and black bubbling enamel like glaze, a painterly daub of yellows, and a matte lilac glaze. All tied together with a sgraffito (scratched) cubist pattern resembling an abstract bird.

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 bears 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 or scratches to the pottery, some age related wear to the the base, nothing to detract.

Measures 7 x 6 x 3cm / 2.75 x 2.5 x 1.25in.

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

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Vintage Florentine leather backed pottery, Italy circa 1960’s

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

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Ceramiche Zaccagnini Geisha playing a harp figurine, Florence, Italy circa 1940’s / 50’s


This is a beautiful and rare piece of Mid Century Modernist Italian pottery by the Zaccagnini pottery.  Depicting a Japanese Geisha playing a harp (kugo) the style owes much to the companies Art Nouveau and Art Deco heritage.  Produced under the tutelage of Urbano Zaccagnini who had taken over the pottery from his father Ugo in 1937, the focus shifted to decorative figurines, finding favour with high class US stores such as Tiffany’s. During this period they also produced limited, highly collectable and valuable figures for Disney.  This wonderful piece contrasts an unglazed matte base with a vibrant blue majolica glaze giving the stylised figure an ancient appearance.