Mid Century Marcello Fantoni for Raymor Stoppered Decanter

A large Fantoni lampbase in yellow with a single female figure and decorative cartouches and a column to the rear. Italy, circa 1958, marked to the base.

A large deep bowl decorated in matt glazes of yellows and ochres with three clothed female figures, in excellent condition. A rare early piece with a Danish shop's label to the base.

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...

Marcello Fantoni for Raymor ceramic shelf hanging person. Glazed Ceramic. Cat pictured sold separately.