italian pottery

Bagni Ceramiche salt and pepper shakers, Italy circa early 1960’s.

October 18, 2013Ceramics1960's, afterglow, alvino bagni, atomic era, bagni ceramic, bagnic pottery, brighton, cruet set, italian pottery, mid century modern, pop art, retro, salt and pepper, Starburst, vintage, vintage styleafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Stunning Pair of Large Bagni Ceramiche salt and pepper shakers, made in Italy circa early 1960’s.

This design, pattern no.42 was created by Alvino Bagni in 1959, the stippled blue glaze features bands of oval wheel and stylised flower / starburst motifs. Reflecting the popular molecular and atomic motifs of the 1950’s. A Wonderful tall hourglass form, very elegant and beautifully proportioned. The flat tops with their large holes for salt and pepper respectively complete the graphic look.

This design can be seen on p.32 of Mark Hill’s ‘Alla Moda’ book. A Fantastic pair from one of the leading Italian 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 Bagni / Raymor / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches. Different stoppers in the bases of each but serve their purpose.

Each measures 19 x 6.5 x 6.5cm / 7.5 x 2.5 x 2.5in.

Hand marked to the base Italy 2840.

Bitossi ‘Pinguino’ in ‘Rimini Blu’ designed by Aldo Londi, Italy circa 1959

September 13, 2013Ceramics1950's, afterglow retro, Aldo Londi, Bitossi, bitossi animal, bitossi figure, brighton, btnetsy, etsy, italian pottery, mid century, modernist, penguin, pinguino, retro, rimini blu, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Fantastic Large Rimini Blu ‘Pinguino’ (Penguin) money box / figurine, by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Striking form, the stylised Penguin has a bulbous body with small wings on the sides, small cut out holes for eyes and a conical beak on the domed head. With a cutout on the back for coins and a plastic stopper in the base for retrieving them. Perfect as a classy moneybox or as a sculptural piece to display in its own right.

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.

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 Great Condition, the front of the beak has been previously chipped and repainted, doesn’t detract on display, could easily be smoothed or repainted if desired. A few small flakes of missing glaze as is common with this style of rough glazed ceramics.

Indistinct hand painted mark to the base, series of numbers and Italy.

Measures 22 x 13 x 13cm / 8.5 x 5 x 5in.

Marcello Fantoni lamp base, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

August 28, 2013Ceramics1960's, 20th century design, afterglow retro, brighton, cubist, etruscan, fantoni, fantoni ceramics, fantoni lampbase, fantoni pottery, iconic design, italian pottery, lovebirds, marcello fantoni, mid century modern, modernist, pottery lampbase, retro, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Stunning and Rare Marcello Fantoni lamp base, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

A Fabulous mid century modernist design. The bold rectangular solid form of the ceramic lamp base in mottled shades of green and black is decorated with abstract motifs, resembling love birds, and a tribal style line motif on one side. The lamp fitting sits in a recessed well on the top, and the wire comes out of a hole on the side.

Marcello Fantoni was one of the greatest ceramicists and designers of the 20th century, his pieces (as can be seen here) 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.

A Wonderful practical lighting / display piece, 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 Fantoni / Raymor / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

Fully working, lovely original brass fitting, wiring and bulb holder could be replaced to suit your requirements. As with all vintage electrical items, should be rewired and tested by a professional electrician.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches to the pottery, some age related patina to the brass, doesn’t detract from the overall look.

The base measures 16 x 15 x 6cm / 6.25 x 6 x 2.5in. Height to top of bulb holder is 26cm / 10in.

Hand marked to the base Fantoni Italy, and also incised mark Fantoni to side.

Bagni Ceramiche lamp base, made in Italy circa 1960’s

August 15, 2013Ceramics1960's, abstract, afterglow retro, alvino bagni, bagni ceramiche, bagni lamp base, cubist, fat lava, italian pottery, mad men decor, mad men style, mid century lamp, mid century modern, orange and red, raymor pottery, retro brighton, vintage brighton, vintage etsyafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Stunning Bagni Ceramiche lamp base, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

A Fantastic piece displaying the hallmarks of Alvino Bagni’s designs during the mid century era. Made of red clay to give a rough textured surface, similar to that of Bitossi pieces.
Covered with a matte dark chocolate brown glaze, and decorated with a wonderful abstract modernist geometric pattern in red and orange glossy glazes.
Lovely simple elegant bottle form, making this a perfect table lamp but also a striking piece of sculptural vintage Italian pottery.

A Wonderful practical lighting / display pieces, 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 Bagni / Raymor / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

In need of rewiring, will be sold as is for you to add fittings of your choice and suitable for your region, a very easy job that will make this a stunning functional lamp!

In Great Condition, a little wear on the top of the lamp, but this would be hidden by a new fitting and brass plate once rewired. also the underneath of the base has chips around the holes, not visible on display, could also be covered.

Measures 28.5 x 9.5 x 9.5cm / 11.25 x 3.75 x 3.75in.

Hand marked to the base 0 / 1415 ITALY.

Bertoncello large sculptural ashtray / bowl, Italy circa early 1970’s

August 2, 2013Ceramics1960's, 1970's, afterglow retro, alla moda, ashtray, barbara hepworth, bertoncello, Bowl, brighton, henry moore, italian pottery, mid century modern, modernist, retro, sculptural, tabacco, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Stunning and Beautiful Bertoncello large sculptural ashtray / bowl, made by the Italian pottery circa 1960’s / early 1970’s.

An iconic sculptural piece of Retro Italian ceramic design by the famous Bertoncello Ceramiche D’Arte. In their trademark style abstract and sculptural and modernist. With dramatic curves, rounded corners, pierced holes and geometric, monumental forms, recalling the works of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth and architecture of the era.

Very Space Age / Op / Pop Art in form with its circular form, the top having an offset circular bowl and 4 cigarette rests on each side, themselves a striking graphic design. The sides have cut out recesses and a hole / handle, all wonderfully rounded giving a stylised ‘double decker’ appearance.
Fabulous mottled brown and beige glazes ‘Tabacco’ style, reminiscent of ‘Fat Lava’ pottery.

Due to its highly sculptural impressive form this piece could be used for its original purpose, or as a candleholder, display piece, desk / table accessory or centrepiece bowl.

A Wonderful stylish piece that would be great as part of any collection of Italian or European Art Pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, 60’s, 70’s, minimal or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches, hand painted mark inside ‘897’. The bottom rim has a felt pad to prevent scratching.

Measures 19 x 19 x 8cm / 7.5 x 7.5 x 3.25in.

‘Rimini Blu’ triple vase, by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s

July 26, 2013Ceramics1960's, Aldo Londi, alla moda, Bitossi, blue, desk tidy, dexter style, italian pottery, mad men style, mediterranean, mid century modern, mid century vase, retro, rimini blu, trio vase, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Fantastic ‘Rimini Blu’ piece, by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s.

Striking form, the trio of cylindrical vases / pots are joined in a lovely cluster of alternating heights. Very sculptural, perfect for use as vases, as a desk tidy, pen / brush holder or as a centrepiece or to display in its own right.

A Fabulous design by Aldo Londi from the mid 1950’s, 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 Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches. Still bears the original paper label on the base ‘Made in Italy’.

Measures 15.5 x 11 x 11cm / 6 x 4.5 x 4.5in.

Vintage Florentine leather backed pottery, Italy circa 1960’s

May 23, 2013Ceramics, Collectables1960's, alla moda, Bowl, coccio, desimone, dish, fantoni, florence, florentine, italian pottery, italy, leather backed, mid century, pip rest, retro, sgraffito, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

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

Picasso style Mediterranean Sun wall plaque by La Musa, Italy circa 1960’s

May 3, 2013Ceramics1960's, desimone, face, italian pottery, italy, la musa, mediterranean, mid century, palermo, picasso, plaque, plate, retro, sicily, sun, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Beautiful Colourful Italian wall plaque / plate by La Musa, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Fantastic bright design, with a highly stylised image of the Mediterranean sun. Its broad brush strokes, flat panes of colour, bold outlines and Cubist style are very similar to the paintings of Picasso and Matisse.

La Musa, Palermo, Sicily founded in 1949 along with the renowned Desimone pottery produced fabulous pieces bearing this hallmark style, so reminiscent of the region and the mid century era.

A Wonderful plaque for wall hanging, or for use as a bright addition to any table centrepiece. A Great addition to any collection of Italian, Mediterranean or European studio pottery. Would add a splash of colour to any retro, vintage, mid century, 60’s or contemporary interior.

In Great Condition, two chips to the glaze on the rim, do not detract on display.

Measures 25 x 25 x 3cm / 10 x 10 x 1.25in.

Printed marks to the back are mostly worn off, there is a hole for wall hanging in the rim.

Smalto roccia & sgraffito wall plaque, Ceramiche Giulianelli, San Marino, Italy circa 1960’s

April 14, 2013Ceramics60's, alla moda, ceramiche giulianelli, collectable, fat lava, italian ceramics, italian pottery, italy, mid century, retro, san marino, sgraffito, smalto roccia, vintage, wall plaqueafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Lovely decorative wall plaque made by Ceramiche Giulianelli, San Marino, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Fantastic design, the white ceramic slip moulded plaque is decorated with a smalto roccia (rock glaze) very similar to a Fat Lava glaze, this represents the cliffs and mountains of San Marino. This is embellished with an incised sgraffito pattern of Mediterranean buildings, colourfully hand painted with enamelled glossy glazes.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of Italian ceramics, Fat Lava or European pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, kitsch, 1960’s, Mediterranean or contemporary interior.

In Great Condition, a little crazing commensurate with age, the slip mould is rough and unrefined as this is how they were made, no chips or cracks.

Marked to the base Ceramica Giulianelli Rep. S. Marino.

Measures 25 x 8.5 x 2.4cm / 10 x 3.5 x 1in.

Bitossi Ceramic ‘Rimini Blu’ vase, designed by Aldo Londi, Italy circa 1960’s

March 24, 2013CeramicsAldo Londi, art, baluster vase, Bitossi, design, italian pottery, mediterranean pottery, mid century modern, retro style, rimini blu, urn, vintage decorafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Beautiful Bitossi Ceramic ‘Rimini Blu’ vase, Italy circa early 1960’s.

A Great Unusual design, the baluster / urn shape, with a bulbous body and squared flared rim, is inspired by ancient Mediterranean pottery. Made of clay with crushed granules to give a rough texture, the texture and glazes indicate this is an earlier example.

A Fabulous piece designed by Aldo Londi, in the iconic ‘Rimini Blu’ glaze with blue and turquoise glazes resembling the Mediterranean Sea. 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.

A Wonderful vase from one of the greatest designers and ceramicists of the 20th century that
would make a Fantastic practical vase or display piece, and 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, a chip to the glaze on the rim and a few very small flakes of missing glaze on the impressed motifs, common with the textured form and glaze on these pieces. Nothing to detract.

Not marked to the base, as is common with these pieces. Many just had the exporters / retailers paper labels.

Measures 20 x 14 x 14cm / 8 x 5.5 x 5.5in.