italian

Studio Laurana Rame D’ Arte enamelled copper wall clock, made in Italy circa 1960’s

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IMG_3316This is a beautiful Studio Laurana Rame D’ Arte enamelled copper wall clock, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

A fantastic design from this ‘copper art’ studio founded by Franco Bastianelli in Pesaro, Italy in 1958.

Stunning Italian modernist / brutalist style very reminiscent of the work of Curtis Jere and Marcello Fantoni during the mid century era.

The clock face is made of copper, with indentations and holes roughly hewn around the rim, embellished with shimmering fiery multicoloured enamelled glazes. In the middle are raised glassy droplets to roughly mark the time.

Fitted with a very reliable German Kienzle movement and lovely period brass hands.

Would make a prefect addition for any mid century, modernist, brutalist, 1950’s, 1960’s, vintage, retro or contemporary interior as a practical piece of wall art!

In excellent condition, a little crazing to the thick enamel as is common with these pieces, nothing to detract on display. In fully working order, keeping good time, takes one size C. 1.5V battery not included.

Measures 30 x 30 x 5.5cm / 12 x 12 x 2.25in.

Hand signed to the back with the artists name (indistinct) and partially under the mechanism.

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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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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Train money box, Bertoncello Ceramiche D’Arte, Italy circa 1960’s

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.

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Scavo Art Glass Vase, made by Seguso Vetri d’Arte, Murano, Venice, Italy circa 1970’s

This is a Beautiful Art glass vase, made by Seguso Vetri d’Arte, Murano, Venice, Italy circa late 1970’s.

A Wonderful minimal piece that showcases the craftsmanship and special techniques used by the master craftsman glassblowers of Murano.
Made using the Scavo technique this “frosted glass” was introduced in the 1950’s in order to obtain an archeological effect typical of objects found underground after a very long time.During blowing a mixture of several powders, by the glass artist
are fused at a temperature of about 800°C on the surface of the glass vase.

This aged rough look combined with the traditional form give the piece a Postmodern look, referencing the classical in a modernist contemporary way. Very minimal and space age!

A Stunning piece, it catches the light beautifully with a diffuse glow, would look stunning with bright flowers, or on its own as a sculptural piece of art glass.

Would complement any retro, vintage, minimal, modernist, postmodern, 70′;s, 80’s or contemporary styled interior.

In Excellent Condition no marks, chips or scratches, still bears the original Seguso label.

Measures 16 x 8 x 8cm / 6.25 x 3.25 x 3.25in.

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Bitossi Yellow ‘Spagnolo’ vase, designed by Aldo Londi, Italy circa 1960’s

This is a Beautiful Bitossi Ceramic ‘Spagnolo’ vase, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Great design, the baluster form is made of clay with crushed granules to give a rough texture. The recurring ‘Spagnolo’ (Spanish) motifs are impressed into the surface and picked out in brown and green on a glossy yellow glazed base.

A Fabulous piece designed by Aldo Londi, a striking style very different to the iconic ‘Rimini Blu’, this design was influenced by Moorish tiles, as they were influenced by emerging cultural trends and Mediterranean historical ceramics.

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 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 marks, chips or scratches.

Not marked to the base, as is common with these pieces.

Measures 21 x 10 x 10cm / 8 x 4 x 4in.

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Vintage Italian Fratelli Fanciullacci Baluster Vase circa 1960’s

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.

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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.

Bertoncello Ceramiche D’Arte yellow cube vase, form no. 908, Italy circa 1960’s

This is a Stunning and Beautiful Bertoncello vase 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 geometric and monumental and resembling large pebbles / modern architectural forms. With dramatic curves, rounded corners and recessed pierced holes, recalling the works of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.

Very Space Age / Op / Pop Art in form with its curved cuboid form, and sits on two shallow pedestal feet so it floats on a surface. Striking mottled, dripped and streaked glossy yellow and brown tones in the glaze, reminiscent of ‘Fat Lava’ pottery.