Giovanni DeSimone was a mid-century ceramicist whose lively designs seem primed to elicit smiles. He created colorful vessels, platters and wall art, decorated with festive figures, flowers and fauna in a style that reveals an appreciation for Cubism and folk art.
DeSimone was born in Palermo, Sicily, in 1930. His parents were aristocrats, and as a young child, he traveled to Somalia. It was here that he grew fond of African artistic traditions. After World War II, DeSimone moved to the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. He attended the Istituto d’Arte per la Ceramica and discovered a passion for pottery. Upon graduation, DeSimone moved back to Palermo and fell in love with Eliana, who became his wife. The couple had three daughters together.
DeSimone opened his famous ceramics studio in the 1960s, producing dinnerware, serveware and decorative tiles. As the studio grew in success and popularity, DeSimone hired more artists to help with the work. In its heyday, the studio had as many as six ceramicists producing work. While each creator had a unique style, DeSimone set a standard for the colors and themes to be used.
DeSimone died in 1991, passing his workshop down to his daughters Margherita and Susanna. Today, the company still operates in Palermo under the name La Fabbrica della Ceramica, producing ceramic pieces inspired by DeSimone's original designs.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Giovanni DeSimone decorative objects, serveware and wall decorations.
Diminutive Italian Modern Ceramic "King" Candle Holder by Giovannni De Simone
By Giovanni DeSimone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small hand-painted ceramic candle holder by Sicilian aristocrat turned artist, Giovanni De Simone. Unique, king figural form in De Simone's signature vibrant colors of yellow, red, o...
Ceramic
1960s Mid-Century Modern Italian Murano Glass Candle Holders
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Beautiful set of two thick Murano glass candle holders in black purple reflections colors. Both still in perfect condition.
Murano Glass
Ceramic mermaid statuette / candle holder, Italy
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Magnificent ceramic mermaid statuette / candle holder, Italian production from the 2nd half of the 20th century. The mermaid's tail forms the handle of the candle holder. In the styl...
Ceramic
$235 / item
H 5.91 in Dm 5.12 in
Modern Metropolis S Candle Holder Sculpture Raku Ceramic White Crakle
By LAAB Milano
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Metropolis sculptures represent civilization at different stages, starting from contained elements of smaller dimensions getting taller. The cracklè exalt the geometric shapes of these candle holders, result of the Japanese Firing...
Ceramic
$706 / item
H 16.34 in W 27.56 in D 5.12 in
Interconnect Candle Holder - Black Steel - by Colin King for Audo
By Audo
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
Interconnect Candle Holder, a sphere, an angle and a line meet on the Interconnect Candle Holder , a bold and illuminating centerpiece of exaggerated proportions, designed for Audo by Colin King...
Steel
Italian Art Deco Matricardi Ceramic Candle Holder, Italy 1920s
Located in Milan, IT
Italian Art Deco Matricardi Ascoli Piceno Ceramic Candle Holder, Italy 1920s. The company was founded in 1923 and closed in 1934.
Ceramic
Sculptural Ceramic Candle Holder – Handbuilt Organic Form Candle Holder
Located in Istanbul, TR
This sculptural ceramic candle holder is designed as a quiet interplay between form and light. The piece features an enclosed, cave-like structure that softly diffuses the candle’s g...
Stoneware
Ceramic Candle Holder, Vienna, Around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Ceramic candle holder, Vienna, around 1950s. Original condition.
Ceramic
Italian Giltwood Candle Holder
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Late 19th C Italian giltwood candle holder. 1890. Reference: 7379 Dimensions 24.5 inches (62 cms) High 6.5 inches (17 cms) Diameter.
Giltwood
$776 / item
H 8.01 in Dm 7.01 in
Handmade Ceramic Sculptural Tealight Small Candle Holder by Maku Ceramic
Located in Geneve, CH
Handmade Ceramic Sculptural Tealight Small Candle Holder by Maku Ceramic Dimensions: Ø 17.7 x H 20.3 cm Materials: Ceramic, volcanic stoneware Maku Ceramic is an Istanbul-based cera...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$294 / item
H 8.27 in Dm 5.52 in
Modern Metropolis M Candle Holder Sculpture Raku Ceramic White Crakle
By LAAB Milano
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Metropolis sculptures represent civilization at different stages, starting from contained elements of smaller dimensions getting taller. The cracklè exalt the geometric shapes of these candle holders, result of the Japanese Firing...
Ceramic
$976 / item
H 21.66 in Dm 5.12 in
Modern Metropolis L Candle Holder Sculpture Raku Ceramic White Crakle
By LAAB Milano
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Metropolis sculptures represent civilization at different stages, starting from contained elements of smaller dimensions getting taller. The cracklè exalt the geometric shapes of these candle holders, result of the Japanese Firing...
Ceramic
1990s Italian Vintage Ceramic Candle Holder Decorative Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
This charming 1990s Italian ceramic candle holder reflects the timeless decorative tradition of Italian craftsmanship. Elegantly formed from ceramic, the piece combines sculptural si...
Ceramic
Ceramic Hand-Painted Candlestick Candle Holder by DeSimone, Italy
By Giovanni DeSimone, DeSimone
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This vintage figural candlestick by Giovanni Desimone Italy is a unique and eye-catching piece of decorative art. DeSimone was a renowned Italian ceramicist and designer who worked in the mid-20th century, known for his whimsical and colorful ceramic sculptures...
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery