italian pottery

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

Volpi Deruta starburst vase, Italy circa 1950’s

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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.

Large pottery ‘Cavallo’ horse sculpture by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s

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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

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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‘Rimini Blu’ cat by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche, Italian pottery circa 1970’s

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Happy 2015! Only a couple of weeks into the New Year and I have already had a few exciting finds, including this lovely Bitossi Ceramiche ‘Rimini Blu’ cat. Designed by Aldo Londi in the late 1960’s in the classic decor and colours that are so reminiscent of the Mediterranean and the mid century modernist era. Super stylish with wonderful character, a beautiful piece to accessorise any sideboard, mantelpiece or table and would fit perfectly into any Bitossi or Italian pottery collection.

This was made for the shop Cer Paoli for a limited time in the early 1970’s hence their mark and not that of Bitossi on the base, and was sold on the Rimini Coast in the place that inspired the decor!

Here’s hoping for more great little gems like this for the rest of the year!

Large table cigarette lighter, Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s

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

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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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Pair of Bitossi Ceramiche bowls, Italy circa 1950’s / 60’s

These are a fantastic pair of bowls designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1957-1965.

Stunning designs, a deep round bowl and a pointed undulating dish, perfect for use on a table / desk, as handy little bowls or to admire as sculptural pieces.

A Fabulous decor by Aldo Londi, a multicoloured variant on the ‘Seta’ (Silk) decor, with its sgraffito incised lines and multicoloured daubs over a black glaze, contrasting with a glossy lime green interior, so reminiscent of the era. Influenced by the new trends in art and design in the mid century period.

Wonderful unusual pieces from one of the greatest designers and 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 Bitossi / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

In Great Condition, some crazing to the interior of the round bowl, and missing glaze from the pointed ends of the elliptical bowl(pictured), no chips or cracks, nothing to detract on display.

The round bowl measures 13 x 13 x 6cm / 5 x 5 x 2.5in.

The pointed bowl measures 18 x 8 x 7cm / 7 x 3.25 x 2.75in.

Handpainted marks to the base C283/13 Italy and CA9/10 Italy.

http://etsy.me/1lPr7Xo

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Bitossi Ceramiche ‘Rimini’ pottery table lamp, Italy circa 1960’s

This is a lovely vintage Bitossi Ceramiche pottery table lamp, Italy circa late 1960’s / early 70’s.

With its alternating bands of impressed motifs resembling Arabesque or Runic patterns, a variation on the classic ‘Rimini’ decor. Beautiful glossy layered mustard yellow and brown glazes possibly a precursor to the ‘Sahara’ range, reminiscent of the sun and sand of the desert.

An imposing solid cylindrical form, sloping to a narrow bottle like neck and capped with a flat disc, could be paired up with a plain or brightly coloured / decorated shade for contrast.

Would make a fantastic practical lighting / 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.

In Excellent Condition, no chips, cracks or crazing. Not signed or marked, many had paper distributors labels.

Measures 34 x 12 x 12cm / 13.5 x 4.75 x 4.75in.

Rewired with a new brass fitting with integral switch, a generous 1.5m of brass coloured cable, new plug, PAT tested. Fitted with a bayonet bulb holder and three pin plug (UK).

Overseas buyers please enquire about shipping costs, as this is a heavy item, packaged over 2kg, combined postage may be available, as would shipping lamp base with no fittings.

Available for sale in my Etsy shop: http://etsy.me/1knu0Ok

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