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Marcello Fantoni Ceramic Vase for Raymor

About the Item

Marcello Fantoni (1915-2011) sculptor, ceramicist, metalworker, multi-media artist and designer Born in Florence in 1915, Marcello Fantoni began studying ceramic art at age 12 at the Art Institute of Florence with ceramicist Carlo Guerrini, artistic director of the famed Cantagalli Factory. He continued years of training in ceramics and the arts, including sculpture with Libero Andreotti and Bruno Innocenti, and figurative art with Gianni Vagnetti, graduating as a maestro of art in 1934. After a stint as art director for a ceramics factory in Perugia, in 1936 he opened the Fantoni Ceramic Studio in Florence. Here he produced ceramic series as well as unique pieces, sculptures and furnishings. In 1937 Fantoni’s pieces were exhibited in the Florence National Arts and Crafts Exhibit where their unique combination of rustic forms decorated with African and marine motifs and painted figures garnered considerable acclaim. By the start of World War II Fantoni’s melding of ancient Italian pottery techniques with decidedly Modernist elements had won him artistic and commercial success both in Italy and abroad. Having participated in the resistance, after the War Fantoni worked for the 500-year old Maiolica factory in Deruta, Umbria, renowned for its signature tin-glazed pottery. In the 1950s he refocused on his Florence studio, dedicating himself to larger sculptural pieces and working on many collaborations. He also expanded his experimenting with materials, forms, drawing from varied influences – Primitivism, Novecento style, Cubism and Abstract Expressionism. Fantoni gave special emphasis to ancient Etruscan ceramic techniques, glazes and colors, heightening the timeless appeal of his pieces. As well as clay, he also worked in metals to great effect. Whether created as a series or as a unique piece, every Fantoni piece was ultimately rendered unique by his hand-painting it. The extraordinary diversity of shapes and textures notwithstanding, one the most identifiable qualities of his creations was his painting style. Through the 50s and 60s he made many cubist-inspired vases and ewers painted in colors bordered by sgraffito lines scratched through the paint in a manner evoking Picasso and Braque. Along with figurative and abstract works, the 60s also saw Fantoni creating brutalist pieces with edgy, angular shapes, while in later life, his work took a minimalist turn. In 1970 Fantoni founded the International School of Ceramic Art, dedicated to teaching ceramic arts and experimentation. (Many of his students and employees would go on to become noteworthy artisans and artists in their own right.) Maintaining great versatility throughout his career, Fantoni completed projects for public and private buildings, churches, schools, theaters, cinemas, and ships. His works, meanwhile, were collected by important museums worldwide. When Marcello Fantoni died in Florence in 2011 at the age of 95, his obituary in the Italian newspaper La Nazione hailed him “The master of beauty.”.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8 in (20.32 cm)Width: 8 in (20.32 cm)Depth: 2.75 in (6.99 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1950s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. No issues.
  • Seller Location:
    Dallas, TX
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: #1003431stDibs: LU1078425086112

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Marcello Fantoni for Raymor Glazed Ceramic Vase, Signed
By Marcello Fantoni
Located in Dallas, TX
Marcello Fantoni (1915 - 2011) was born in Florence, Italy. With a vast career in the arts showcasing his talent in sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, multi-media and even designer, Marcello Fantoni's work was exhibited in the MoMA New York; Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York...
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20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

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Ceramic

Marcello Fantoni for Raymor Glazed Ceramic Vase, Signed
By Marcello Fantoni
Located in Dallas, TX
Marcello Fantoni (1915 - 2011) was born in Florence, Italy. With a vast career in the arts showcasing his talent in sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, multi-media and even designer, Marcello Fantoni's work was exhibited in the MoMA New York; Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York...
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20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

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Marcello Fantoni for Raymor Glazed Ceramic Vase, Signed
By Marcello Fantoni
Located in Dallas, TX
Marcello Fantoni (1915 - 2011) was born in Florence, Italy. With a vast career in the arts showcasing his talent in sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, multi-media and even designer, Marcello Fantoni's work was exhibited in the MoMA New York; Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York...
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20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

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Marcello Fantoni Brutalist Metal Vase, Signed
By Marcello Fantoni
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand welded brutalist style vase by Marcello Fantoni (1915 - 2011). Signed on underside. See our other listings for a grouping of these vases.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

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Marcello Fantoni Brutalist Metal Vase, Signed
By Marcello Fantoni
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand welded brutalist style vase by Marcello Fantoni (1915 - 2011). Signed on underside.
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20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

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Alessio Tasca for Raymor Vase, Ceramic, Green and White, Signed
By Alessio Tasca
Located in Dallas, TX
Alessio Tasca for Raymor vase, ceramic, green and white, signed.
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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

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