lady

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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Tea cup and saucer / cake plate, April by Maureen Tanner for Foley Bone China, Staffordshire, England mid 1950’s

This is a beautiful tea cup and saucer / cake plate set, made by Foley Bone China, Staffordshire, England circa mid 1950’s.

A fantastic design by Maureen Tanner, ‘April’ inspired by her travels around Italy after studying at the Royal College of Art. Made of quality bone china / porcelain and decorated with transfer prints of a girl / lady holding a mirror, surrounded by motifs of flowers and leaves, a delightful illustration picked out in yellow and pink.

So reminiscent of the 1950’s mid century era, very stylish and perfect as practical vintage tableware or for display.

Would make a great addition to any collection of English bone china / porcelain and would complement any retro, vintage, 1950’s, mid century, kitsch or contemporary interior.

In excellent condition, no marks, chips or crazing.

The plate measures 22 x 22 x 1.5cm / 8.75 x 8.75 x 0.5in.

The cup measures 6.5 x 10 x 8.5cm / 2.75 x 4 x 3.5in.

Both marked to the base ‘April designed by Maureen Tanner Foley Bone China Made in England’.

Available for sale at my Etsy shop http://etsy.me/1p1q7W6

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Jean de Lespinasse Ceramic Handled Vase, Nice, France circa 1960’s

This is a Beautiful and Rare French ceramic handled vase by Jean de Lespinasse, Nice, France circa late 1950’s / early 1960’s.

Jean de Lespinasse was a French ceramicist who worked from a studio in Nice on the French Riviera. His work was sold in Paris, Vallauris and abroad, his contemporaries included Roger Capron, Madoura with Picasso and Robert Picault.

A Wonderful form, very chunky and heavy, with its pinched waist and flared rim complemented by the thick elegantly curved handle.

In a bright glossy orange glaze, contrasted by the black interior, decorated with a beautiful stylised image of a lady surrounded by flowers, very reminiscent in style of the 50’s / 60’s era.

Would make a Fantastic addition to any collection of French Studio Art pottery, European / Vallauris ceramics, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, 50’s, 60’s, pop art, minimal or contemporary styled interior.

In Great Condition, a couple of small missing glaze chips on the rim, pictured, nothing to detract from the overall stunning look.

Measures 25 x 20 x 16cm / 10 x 8 x 6.25in. Hand signed to the base JDL 402.

This is a substantial chunky vase weighing almost 2kg, overseas bidders please enquire for a courier postage cost, reductions available on combined shipping.

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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.