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Giovanni DeSimone Pottery

Italian, 1930-1991

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.

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Creator: Giovanni DeSimone
DeSimone of Italy, Hand Painted Colorful Ceramic Plate, 1960s
DeSimone of Italy, Hand Painted Colorful Ceramic Plate, 1960s

DeSimone of Italy, Hand Painted Colorful Ceramic Plate, 1960s

By Giovanni DeSimone

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Colorful hand painted, large ceramic plate by DeSimone, Italy Signed DeSimone, Italy to reverse, circa 1960s Measures: Height 1 inch, diameter 10 inch In very good condition.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Giovanni DeSimone Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Italian 1960's Giovanni DeSimone Decorative Pottery Dish
Italian 1960's Giovanni DeSimone Decorative Pottery Dish

Italian 1960's Giovanni DeSimone Decorative Pottery Dish

By Giovanni DeSimone

Located in New York, NY

Italian 1960's hand painted colorful ceramic dish by Giovanni DeSimone, hand crafted in Italy. Signed on underside, DeSimone, Italy 60.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Giovanni DeSimone Pottery

Materials

Pottery

DeSimone of Italy, Hand Painted Bright Happy, Smiley Ceramic Plate, 1960s
DeSimone of Italy, Hand Painted Bright Happy, Smiley Ceramic Plate, 1960s

DeSimone of Italy, Hand Painted Bright Happy, Smiley Ceramic Plate, 1960s

By Giovanni DeSimone

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Happy and smiley hand painted ceramic plate from DeSimone, Italy, circa 1960s A super, fun plate from DeSimone Signed DeSimone to reverse circa 1960s Measures: Height 1 inch, dam...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Giovanni DeSimone Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Desimone Hand Painted Pottery Round Decor Plate Fisherman Store Cast Net
Italian Desimone Hand Painted Pottery Round Decor Plate Fisherman Store Cast Net

Italian Desimone Hand Painted Pottery Round Decor Plate Fisherman Store Cast Net

By Giovanni DeSimone

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Original Italian Giovanni Desimone hand painted art pottery, round decor plate depicts a scene of a fisherman folding his fish casting nets on a sunny day ...

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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Giovanni DeSimone Pottery

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Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Colorful hand painted blue and red flowers, large ceramic plate by DeSimone, Italy, circa 1960s A super, fun plate from Desimone Signed DeSimone to reverse, circa 1960s Measures: Hei...

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Giovanni Desimone pottery for sale on 1stDibs.

Giovanni DeSimone pottery are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Giovanni DeSimone pottery, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original pottery by Giovanni DeSimone were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider pottery by Piero Fornasetti, Marcello Fantoni, and Aldo Londi. Prices for Giovanni DeSimone pottery can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $223 and can go as high as $409, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $263.

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