Italian Animal Sculptures

Sculpture Leopard Set of 2 all in ceramic with leopard pattern. Each piece dimension is: L30xD6xH14cm.

Gorgeous Italian Bagni Pottery Sphinx Cat. Signed, "Italy", On The Bottom.

Sea monster Carrara marble mouth fountain Italy, late 16th century It measures 13.8 x 31.5 x 18.9 in (35 x 80 x 48 cm) State of conservation: some small evident gaps and widespread signs of wear due to outdoor exposure. The gray marks crossing it do not come from restoration, but are rather the natural veins of the marble. This work has some morphological characteristics typically associated with the iconography of the sea monster: an elongated muzzle, sharp teeth, protruding eyes, elongated ears, and a coiled serpent's tail. An in-depth series of studies on artistic depictions of the sea monster attempted to verify how this symbol evolved in antiquity in the European and Mediterranean contexts and how it gradually changed its image and function over time. The iconography itself is mutable and imaginative and its history is rich with cultural and artistic exchange, as well as the overlapping of ideas. This occurred so much that it is difficult to accurately pinpoint the "types" that satisfactorily represent its various developments. However, we can try to summarize the main figures, starting from the biblical Leviathan and the marine creature that swallowed Jonah (in the Christian version, this figure was to become a whale or a "big fish", the “ketos mega”, translation of the Hebrew “dag gadol”). Other specimens ranged from the dragons mentioned in the Iliad (which were winged and had legs) to "ketos” (also from Greek mythology), the terrifying being from whose Latinized name (“cetus”) derives the word "cetacean". See J. Boardman, “Very Like a Whale” - Classical Sea Monsters, in Monsters and Demons in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds, in Papers presented in Honor of Edith Porada, Mainz am Rhein 1987, pp. 73-84). In Italy the monster underwent yet further variations: it can be found in Etruscan art on the front of some sarcophagi representing the companion of souls, while among the Romans we find the “Pistrice” (cited by Plinio in Naturalis Historia PLIN., Nat., II 9, 8 and by Virgilio in Eneide: VERG., Aen., III, 427), which appeared in the shape of a stylized hippocampus or a very large monstrous cetacean and evolved into a hideous being with a dragon's head and long webbed fins. During the Middle Ages, the sea monster was the object of new transformations: at this time, it is often winged, the head is stretched like a crocodile, the front legs are often very sharp fins - sometimes real paws - until the image merges with dragons, the typical figures of medieval visionary spirituality widely found throughout Europe (on this topic and much more, see: Baltrušaitis, J., Il Medioevo fantastico. Antichità ed esotismi nell’arte gotica, Gli Adelphi 1997). In Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries, the revival of classicism - representative of the humanistic and Renaissance periods - led to a different reading of these "creatures". Indeed, the sea monster was also to find widespread use as an isolated decorative motif, especially in numerous fountains and sculptures where dolphins or sea monsters were used as a characterizing element linked to water (on this theme see: Chet Van Duzer, Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps, London, The British library, 2013). From the morphological point of view, the "sea monsters" of this period are mostly depicted as hybrid figures, in which the body of a mythological or real being (a hippocampus, a sea snake, a dolphin), is joined to a head with a rather indistinct appearance. It was usually characterized by large upright ears, an elongated snout, sharp teeth and globular, protruding eyes; a complex and indefinite figure, both from the symbolic point of view and from that of its genesis. The work we are examining is placed as a cross between the medieval sea serpent and the Renaissance dolphin, with stylistic features which recall the snake as often used in heraldry (such as the "snake" depicted in the coat of arms of the Visconti - the lords and then dukes of Milan between 1277 and 1447 - and which, for some, may be derived from the representations of the “Pistrice” that swallowed Jonah). In the search for sources, Renaissance cartography and in particular woodcuts should not be neglected. See for example the monsters of Olaus Magnus, from the editions of the “Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus” (“History of the peoples of the north”) and the natural histories of Conrad Gesner, Ulisse...

Large Whimsical mid-century Italian object of art crafted in porcelain depicting a rooster with vegetable body parts. Signed indistinctly on the bottom.

This rare anteater sculpture, designed by Aldo Londi and produced by Bitossi Ceramiche in the 1960s, exemplifies the innovative and skilled ceramic work of the period. The piece is n...

Sculpture Leopard candleholder In hand-painted ceramic, with black candle holder in ceramic.

Beautiful classic Rimini blue ceramic horse sculpture by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s.

Sculpture swans Murano glass iridescent half of the 20th century, delicate original and extraordinary craftsmanship.

White ceramic box animal sculpture in the shape of a monkey by Vivai del Sud. Made in Italy in the 1970s. The original label is still attached on ...

A Pair of Artistically created birds for table decor, silver-plated roosters - ideal for a coffee table or bookends. These figures are Art Deco Sculpture! They are each unique from o...

Sculpture Cat Shadow C all in steel in black finish. Flat decoration piece. On steel round base: 16cm diameter. Available with other cat shadows.

Sculpture, horse sculpture, marble horse, carrara marble sculpture, sculpture made in Italy. Sculpture of a fragment of an incedent horse in the march Resting on a basalt and iron b...

Italian modern Sculpture of standing bulldogge dog in beige black ceramic, 1970s Sculpture of standing olde english bulldogge dog, in beige an...

Rare Tommaso Barbi gold glazed ceramic majestic table lamp. New wide white lamp shade with gold interior. Fully functioning lamp. Minor s...

Murano glass fish sculpture by Sergio Costantini for Vetro Artistico Murano with brown, red, amber, yellow and blue tones. Made in Italy, 20th century (Includes sticker and signatur...

1960 sculpture Murano glass Seguso imitation alabaster.

Italian Neo-classic style (20th Cent) bronze bearded figure of a Centaur having both hands tied behind his back with a dark patina. (similar to BAS011)

This sculpture Horses and Charioteer is an original decorative object in bronze realized during the 19th century. Very Good conditions ...

Vintage rare Tommaso Barbi white ceramic rabbit. 1960s Made in Italy. This piece is in near excellent condition. An amazing and seldom piece.

1960 Venetian / Murano Angel Fish Glass Sculpture On Base Emerald Green, Yellow, Gold, Tan, Brown, Cream coloring with intricate patterns A stunning ...

Pair of Art Deco stylized brown onyx horses head bookends. Vintage set of bookends, hand carved in brown onyx. Hermes style horses, great mo...

Exceptional pair of aigles of the 16th century of Italy Superbe pair of wooden sculpted aigles from the Italian Renaissance. Very Fine and delicate sculpture The pair of eagles se...

This life-size dog was made of resin, probably used as an advertising dog for dog food, an original piece of furniture.

Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso purple to blue Italian art glass toucan / parrot bird sculpture. Documented and signed "Salviati, designer L. Gaspari", with or...

Ronzan “stile” Jaguar ceramic, 1950, Italy.

Beautiful, antique, early Murano hand blown Sommerso red, controlled bubbles and gold leaf Italian art glass fish sculpture on clear base. Created in the manner of designer Flavio Po...

A pair of italian silver plated fighting roosters Finally carved, with great details. Original patina Marked on the inside of the win...

The piece is a unique representation of a Pelican in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a brown color. Our designer creates these pieces comp...

Franco Lapinis exquisite vintage life size squirrel sculpture wine cooler or ice cooler is made entirely of gold plated and its surface is lightly textured to give it an organic feel...

1940s original Mauro Manetti gold plate owl ice bucket with metal insulation, made in Italy. Keeps the ice cubes frozen for a long time as the lid sits tight on the bucket. Highly ...

Tole monkey with Chinese export bowl towel rack, realistically painted with the monkey reaching into the bowl. Painted front and back, resting on a faux bo...

Wonderful eye-catching pair of Italian ceramic whippets regally posed and in a striking color palette of white, orange and green.

Italian original painted plaster sculpture of a young Roman woman in nice gilt dress and flower wreath. This well sculptured smiling lady cou...

1980's brass marble ring holder or sculpture by Vogue Bijoux. The simplicity of this design says it all, moreover the love birds serve as more than just ring...

This exquisite hand-carved Lapis Lazuli "Hatching Turtle" sculpture is a remarkable blend of artistry and natural beauty. Expertly crafted from genuine lapis lazuli, the sculpture ca...

A pair of Salviati Venezia studio fish Sculptures of Sommerso form, clear, over aqua blue and amber layers of thick Murano glass. Each is hand signed ...

Rare Signed Gabriella Crespi Pelican sculpture. 1970s, made in Italy. This piece is in near excellent condition. An amazing and seldom piece.  

Italian School, 18th century Pacing Horse Bronze with brown patina, on a rectangular marble base H 8 x L 8,5 x P 3 cm H totale 11 cm

Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown opalescent cobalt blue and white opalescent Italian art glass fish sculpture / paperweight. Created in the manner of designer Archimede Seguso, in the "Alabastro" technique. The main body is almost a ball, with large applied opal white fins...

A pair of realistically modeled as a male and female penguins, the hinged heads opening to reveal a bottle compartment Mario Buccellati was one of the most remarkable Italian jeweler...

This piece is one of the few that could be attributed to MARIO CACCIAPUOTI , in his brief stint with the MARIO CACCIAPUOTI AND C, In Milan. It is made of stoneware and plated with s...

A Large and Heavy Murano Hand Blown Murrine Glass Vase, colorful artwork with a shaped top.

This is an interesting multiple artwork signed by the author Vito Antonio Mastrorocco, a talented young artist of years 80' in Italy. This is a multiple of a numbered edition of 1...

Large matt glazed ceramic horse by the celebrated ceramicist Bruno Gambone. This particular subject matter is an unusual one for this artist. Ital...

Mid Century studio pottery donkey and cart figure / bowl - hand modelled and painted with vibrant multi-color glazes over a cream base - signed & numbe...

Beautiful and large, vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso green yellow, with blue tails Italian art glass birds sculpture. Attributed to the Salviati company. The birds are made with s...

A classic decorative Bust statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of white alabaster on a marble base. Very decorative and nice to display in your library or ...

Bitossi fish tray, ceramic, white, matte brown, pink, blue, incised, signed. Large scale hand thrown pottery tray with white glaze over raw claw. The body...

Large and eye catching ceramic floor statuette, formed as a vibrant leopard. Beautiful glazeware and shape. Originally from 1970s Italy. Measures: H 78.5 x B 27 x D 35 cm

Add a playful yet sophisticated touch to your space with this Vintage Regency Glazed Poodle. With its meticulously sculpted curls and glossy white finish, this ceramic pup brings per...

Rare Signed Gabriella Crespi Pelican with Murano blown glass sculpture. 1970s, made in Italy. This piece is in near excellent condition. An amazing and seldom piece.  

A beautifully detailed Italian brass sculpture of a stallion in motion.  

A pair of black and white animal sculptures by Archimede Seguso (1909-1999) Italy made circa 1970 comprising of two large ducks, in solid opaque...

Exceptionally beautiful and very rare cubist Murano glass sculpture of a panther. Fabricated by Loredano Rosin in the late 80's. This sculpture is hand blown. Originally signed wit...

Vintage French bulldog on agate base. Carved crystal carnelian red French bulldog mounted on antique agate and marble base. Italy, circa 1940 Dimensions: 5....

This Murano Glass Shark Sculpture from the 1960s, crafted with vibrant orange and clear glass, offers a compelling blend of artistic mastery and ...

Beautiful and large, vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso double fish Italian art glass aquarium block sculpture. Documented to the Arte Vetraria Muranese company (A.Ve.M.). Similars a...

This vintage Italian midcentury white porcelain sculpture, artfully depicts an obedient greyhound dog. The greyhound, known for its slender, streamlined body and swift agility, is po...

Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso light blue over orange Italian art glass kangaroo sculpture. Attributed to designer Alfredo Barbini. Hi...

Beautiful, old English sheepdog hand-painted porcelain figurine made by Capodimonte, Italy. Handmade and hand painted. Original manufacturer label/certificate. Measure: 30 cm (18,9 i...