retro

Ruscha Keramik ‘Pompeji’ handled vase, West Germany circa 1960’s

September 7, 2014Ceramics1960's, afterglow retro, brighton, ceramics, etsy, fat lava, Gerda Heuckeroth, mid century, modernist, Otto Gerharz, Pompeii, Pompeji, pottery, retro, ruscha, Ruscha Keramik, vintage, vulkano, West Germanafterglowretro One comment

This is a stunning ‘Pompeji / Pompeii’ handled vase, made by Ruscha Keramik, West Germany circa late 1960’s.

A fantastic form by Gerda Heuckeroth in 1968, its squat shape with small decorative handles, ribbed body and small neck and opening resembling ancient / classical designs.

With its ‘Fat Lava’ glaze complementing the archaic look, it could have been unearthed from volcanic ashes!
With its bubbling black base glaze, picked out with orangey reds and hints of green and yellow giving a really lava-like appearance and suiting its ‘Pompeii’ name in the process. The decor is most likely by Otto Gerharz who developed the innovative ‘Vulkano’ glaze amongst many others.

Would make a fantastic addition to any collection of Fat Lava, West German or European pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, brutalist, minimalist or contemporary interior.

Indistinct moulded mark to the base ‘875’.

In excellent condition, no chips or cracks, some burst ‘lava’ bubbles from production.

Measures 11 x 13 x 12cm / 4.5 x 5 x 4.75in.

This vase is available for sale in my Etsy shop http://etsy.me/1AlRjzu

Marcello Fantoni ‘Regency lady’ bowl, made in Italy circa 1950’s

August 29, 2014Ceramics1950's, al duomo, antiques, Bowl, collectables, fantoni, florence, florentine pottery, girl, historical, italian pottery, italy, lady, marcello fantoni, mid century ceramics, modern art, pottery, regency, retro, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

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

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

July 14, 2014Ceramics1960's, 1970's, Aldo Londi, alla moda, Bitossi, bitossi ceramiche, bitossi rimini, bitossi table lamp, brighton, home decor, italian, italian pottery, mid century modern, mid century pottery, mid century table lamp, retro, rimini yellow, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

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

‘Optimist & Pessimist’ Teak Trolls, Hans Bolling, Denmark circa 1960’s

June 12, 2014Collectables1960's, bojesen, brighton, danish modern, danish teak, danish troll, denmark, hans bolling, mid century, mid century modern, optimist, pessimist, retro, retro collectables, teak figurine, trolls, vintage, vintage home decorafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Great Pair of Danish Modern Teak trolls, attributed to Hans Bolling, Denmark circa 1960’s.

A Fantastic couple, comprising of miniature troll figurines the ‘Optimist’ and ‘Pessimist’. Both made out of teak, with rope arms and rabbit fur hair and painted eyes.

Stunning mid century Danish modern design classic, so reminiscent of the era, their small size would make them perfect to accessorise and add some fun character to a desk, mantelpiece or shelf.

Would make a Stunning addition to any Danish or Scandinavian Teak collection, and would complement any mid century modern, retro, vintage, 60’s, kitsch or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, some thinning of the rabbit fur hair, nothing to detract on display.

Each figure measures approx 10.5 x 8 x 5cm / 4.25 x 3.25 x 2in.

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

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.

This bears a handpainted mark to the base ‘Fantoni Italy, with the ‘Duomo’ symbol based on Florence’s Cathedral’s dome.

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’.

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

Vintage boxed set of ‘card suit’ ceramic pin dishes, Claude Tabet, Paris, France circa 1950’s

April 9, 2014Ceramicsafterglow retro, boxed set, brighton, card suit dish, claude tabet, european pottery, france, french decor, french retro, french studio pottery, mid century, multicolour, paris, retro, retro ceramics, set of bowls, studio pottery, vintage, vintage decor, vintage parisian shopafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Great boxed set of 4 colourful ceramic pin dishes with a card suit theme, Claude Tabet, Paris, France circa early 1950’s.

A Wonderful boxed set, containing the original fascinating and beautiful shop leaflet. Claude Tabet (1924-1979) was a French artist who branched out into studio pottery, with his own Parisian shops, in the early 1950’s.

Lovely small dishes could be used as pin dishes, paperweights, desk accessories or just as display pieces. The four bowls are shaped like the card suits, hearts, spades, clubs and diamonds, and are very brightly glossy glazed in green, yellow, purple and red.

Very reminiscent of the mid century 1950’s era, similar to the work of Roger Capron in Vallauris, a perfect set to brighten any space.

Would make a Fantastic addition to any collection of French / European studio pottery, and would complement any 1950’s, mid century, retro, vintage, French style, minimal or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, boxed as new! No chips, cracks or crazing.

The box measures 11 x 11 x 2.5cm / 4.5 x 4.5 x 1in.

Each dish measures approx 5 x 5 x 2cm / 2 x 2 x 0.75in.

Available in my Etsy shop: http://etsy.me/1lJ0pnq

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

Pair of Schlossberg Keramik ‘Kuba’ vases, West Germany circa 1958

March 2, 2014Ceramics1950's, brighton, cubist, etsy, fat lava, kuba, Liesel Spornhauer, mid century pottery, modernist, mondrian, retro, schlossberg, schlossberg kuba, vintage, west german ceramics, west german potteryafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Stunning Pair of Schlossberg Keramik ‘Kuba’ vases, designed by Liesel Spornhauer, West Germany circa 1958.

A Fantastic decor, very reminiscent of the era and inspired by Cubist / Mondrian art and design. With the matte black glazed background having a hand decorated tube lined glaze in glossy white forming a random abstract grid like pattern. Some of the spaces are then filled with glossy vibrant red, yellow and blue glazes.

Wonderful forms, the larger vase has a bulbous top heavy shape with a slanted rim, the smaller vase has a tapered form and ‘fishmouth’ curved rim.

Modern art meets ceramics, in this delightful pair by this renowned smaller high quality West German pottery. A Highly collectable mid century art pottery decor.

Would make an Excellent addition to any collection of West German / European / Schlossberg ceramics. And would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, 1950’s, 1960’s, minimal or contemporary interior.

Both in Excellent Condition, no chips, cracks or crazing, the matte black paint shows some light marks as is common with this design, nothing to detract on display.

The large vase measures 21 x 11 x 11cm / 8.25 x 4.25 x 4.25in.

The smaller vase measures 19 x 9.5 x 8cm / 7.5 x 3.75 x 3.25in.

Available in my Etsy shop: http://etsy.me/1rm0dtP