italian pottery

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

June 10, 2014Ceramics1950's, abstract modern art, afterglow retro, alla moda, Bowl, brighton, ceramicists, cubist pottery, dish, duomo, fantoni, fantoni bowl, fantoni dish, florence, italian pottery, italy, marcello fantoni, mid century ceramics, miniature dish, retro, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

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

Set of 4 teak lidded ceramic canisters, by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s

May 25, 2014Ceramics1960's, Aldo Londi, Bitossi, bitossi ceramiche, brighton retro, brighton vintage, canister, home decor, italian pottery, mid century modern, modernist, orange and brown, pop art, retro, retro kitchenalia, retro pottery, storage jars, teak lidded, vintage, vintage ceramicsafterglowretro One comment

These are a Fantastic set of 4 teak lidded ceramic canisters, by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s / 1970’s.

A Wonderful bright design, probably by Aldo Londi, with their lower half having a glossy orange glaze, incised with vertical ribs. Contrasting with the unglazed middle section which has the rough texture so reminiscent of Bitossi pieces. Capped by a glossy white rim and each having a teak lid which has a rubber seal to secure it.

The colours and style are so typical of the mid century era and of Londi’s iconic work for Bitossi.

A Very unusual and highly collectable set of canisters, prefect for storage in a retro kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, office or living room, but would equally look great as decoration in any room arranged in a row or cluster on a table or mantelpiece.

Would make an Excellent addition to any collection of Italian / European pottery and would complement any 1960’s, 70’s, retro, vintage, mid century, minimal, modernist or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no cracks or chips, some crazing to the white glaze and irregularities in the unglazed areas from production. The lids have a lovely age related patina to them.

The largest pot measures 19 x 14 x 14cm / 7.5 x 5.5 x 5.5in.

Second largest measures 16 x 12 x 12cm / 6.5 x 4.75 x 4.75in.

Third largest measures 13 x 10 x 10cm / 5 x 4 x 4 in.

Smallest pot measures 9.5 x 7.5 x 7.5cm

Handpainted marks to the bases ‘320 Italy’, ‘321 Italy’, ‘323 Italy’.

Vintage handled vase / jug, made by Fratelli Fanciullacci, Italy circa 1950’s

May 19, 2014Ceramics1950's, brighton antiques, brighton vintage, cottage chic, country scene, countryside, farm, ff vase, fratelli fanciullacci, italian pottery, mid century ceramics, mid century modern, pink and blue pottery, retro pottery, rustic style, vintage home decorafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Beautiful pottery handled vase / jug, made by Fratelli Fanciullacci, Italy circa 1950’s.

A Stunning form and decor, the bulbous pitcher / jug shaped body is very classical, accentuated by the decorative forked handle and small spout.
The whole piece has been spray glazed in pink giving a fine rough texture, this is further embellished by raised motifs of a farm, farm workers and grapes and flowers. This is all contrasted by the base and inner glaze in a pastel blue.

Similar forms and decors can be seen in Mark Hill’s ‘Alla Moda’ Italian Ceramics book.

Would make a great addition to any collection of Italian, European or Mid Century pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 1950’s, 60’s, mid century, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior.

Handmarked to the base ‘Italy 2385’.

In Great Condition, a couple of chips to the spout (pictured), no other flaws, nothing to detract on display.

Measures 20 x 20 x 13cm / 8 x 8 x 5in.

Available in my Etsy shop: http://etsy.me/1lJ9TO4

Bitossi Ceramiche ‘Vetrata’ vase, Italy circa 1966

May 6, 2014Ceramics1960's, 1966, afterglow, afterglow retro, Aldo Londi, alla moda, Bitossi, bitossi ceramiche, bitossi pottery, bitossi vase, brighton retro, brighton vintage, italian pottery, mcm, mid century ceramics, retro, stained glass, Vase, vetrata, vetrata vase, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Beautiful Bitossi Ceramiche ‘Vetrata’ vase, Italy circa 1966.

A Fabulous piece designed by Aldo Londi in 1966, with a vibrant glossy multicoloured stained glass pattern on a glossy brushed ground base. A Striking style very different to the iconic ‘Rimini Blu’, this reflects the Cubist, Modernist and Modern Art influences of the era.

A Wonderful vase from one of the greatest designers and ceramicists of the 20th century.

A Fantastic decorative vase, 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 Condition, no chips or cracks, some age related wear to the base, nothing to detract.

Hand Marked to the base V430/25 Italy.

Measures 25.5 x 10 x 10cm / 10 x 4 x 4in.

Available in my Etsy shop: http://etsy.me/1whjI9C

Mid Century Italian Pottery ‘Donkey and Cart’ cactus planter circa 1960’s

March 19, 2014Ceramics1960's, 20th century, Bitossi, brighton, cactus planter, collectables, donkey and cart, european pottery, fantoni, fat lava, gambone, horse and cart, italian pottery, italian pottery donkey, mid century modern, retro, Vase, vintage, walter bosseafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Fantastic pottery donkey / horse and cart planter / vase, made in Italy circa 1950’s / 60’s

A Lovely stylised mid century design, very reminiscent of Walter Bosse’s animal figures. The cartoon like donkey with a coiled mane and tail pulling a cart that can be used as a planter.

Stunning glazes similar to those used by Fratelli Fanciullacci, this piece is attributed to one of the Montelupo potteries (Bitossi region). Over a khaki green glossy base is a textured spray glaze in an off white. Highlighted by the red coiled mane and tail, and patterned motifs on the cart picked out in yellow.

Perfect for use as a planter for a cactus or small plant, as a small posy vase, or as a novelty table decoration for holding breadsticks, sweets etc.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of Italian / European pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 1950’s, 1960’s, mid century or kitsch styled interior.

Marked to the base ‘Made in Italy’.

In Excellent Condition, no chips, cracks or crazing, a couple of small unglazed patches from production, nothing to detract.

Measures 20 x 12 x 9cm / 8 x 4.75 x 3.5in.

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

‘Rimini’ yellow bull by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa mid 1960’s

February 27, 2014Ceramics1960's, afterglow, Aldo Londi, bitossi bull, bitossi ceramiche, bitossi collection, bitossi pottery, brighton, etsy, italian pottery, italy, mid century pottery, retro, rimini blu, sculptural pottery, stylised bull, yellowafterglowretro One comment

At last I have found myself a Bitossi Bull! In the ‘Rimini’ decor but in a mustard yellow colour, rather than the usual ‘Rimini Blu’. Designed by Aldo Londi in the mid 1960’s, the form is highly stylised and really gives an impression of strength and power. A classic mid century sculptural piece of Italian pottery.
And will be part of my collection for me to enjoy until I find a few more!

Large Bitossi floor vase, Italy circa 1960’s

December 22, 2013Ceramics1960's, afterglow retro, Aldo Londi, alla moda, Bitossi, bitossi ceramiche, bitossi vase, brighton retro, italian pottery, mid century modern, mid century pottery, retro pottery, vintage home decorafterglowretro Leave a comment

Just acquired this very large, 48cm tall, floor vase by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s. More info to come soon!

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?

Bitossi Ceramiche ‘Spagnolo’ planter, Italy circa 1960’s

December 1, 2013Ceramics1960's ceramics, afterglow retro, Aldo Londi, Bitossi, bitossi ceramiche, ceramic planter, italian pottery, mid century pottery, retro decor, retro home decor, spagnolo, vintage brighton, vintage potteryafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Fantastic ‘Spagnolo’ planter / flower pot / vase, by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Lovely simple small form, the cylindrical body having a flared thick rim. Perfect for use as a small planter, as a vase, as a storage pot, for use in the kitchen or on a desk, or to group with other Bitossi ‘Spagnolo’ or the similar classic ‘Rimini Blu’ pieces.

Lovely textured surface with shallow trenches made by the rough clay being hand turned on the wheel.

A Fabulous design by Aldo Londi from 1963, in the striking iconic ‘Spagnolo’ (Spanish) decor. With its central band of impressed motifs resembling Moorish tiles, it is influenced by the new trends in art and design in the mid century period. Beautiful glossy layered blue and turquoise glazes evoke the colours of the Mediterranean Sea.

A Wonderful practical and stylish piece from one of the greatest designers and ceramicists of the 20th century.

Would look great in any 50’s, 60’s, 70’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 Condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Measures 10.5 x 12.5 x 12.5cm / 4.25 x 5 x 5in.

Unmarked to the base.

‘Rimini Blu’ bowl, Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s

November 16, 2013Ceramics1950's, 1960's, Aldo Londi, Bitossi, bitossi bowl, brighton, etsy, italian ceramics, italian pottery, mid century decor, mid century pottery, retro, rimini blu, rimini blu bowl, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Fantastic ‘Rimini Blu’ bowl / dish / wall plaque, by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Striking form, the wide flat rimmed circular bowl has a hemispherical well in the middle. Decorative and sculptural, could be used as part of a table arrangement, as a candleholder, on a desk, or can be hung as a wall plaque.

A Fabulous design by Aldo Londi from 1959, in the striking iconic ‘Rimini Blu’, With its alternating bands of impressed motifs resembling Arabesque or Runic patterns, it is influenced by the new trends in art and design in the mid century period. Beautiful glossy layered blue and turquoise glazes evoke the colours of the Mediterranean Sea.

A Wonderful, Rare and Unusual piece from one of the greatest designers and ceramicists of the 20th century.

In Great Condition, a few small flakes of missing glaze as is common with this style of rough glazed ceramics. the hole on the base for wall hanging is probably not original, but doesn’t detract, not visible on display.

Measures 21 x 21 x 2.5cm / 8.25 x 8.25 x 1in.