Italian Ceramics

Acquareccia plate Patanazzi workshop Urbino, last quarter of the 16th century It measures diameter 17.12 in; foot diameter 11.53 in; height 1.88 in (43.5 cm; 29.3 cm; 4.8 cm). Weight State of conservation: wear and a few small minimal detachments of enamel, chipping on the raised areas, peeling of enamel at the brim on the back. This large, shallow basin is equipped with a wide and convex well. It is umbonate with a contoured center. The brim, short and flat, is enclosed in a double rounded and barely raised edge. The basin has a flat base without rims; it has a slightly concave center in correspondence to the well. The shape takes inspiration from the basins associated with the metal forged amphora pourers that traditionally adorned the credenza. These were used from the Middle Ages to wash hands during banquets. Two or three people washed their hands in the same basin and it was considered an honor to wash one’s hands with an illustrious person. The decoration is arranged in concentric bands with, in the center of the umbo, an unidentified shield on a blue background: an oval banded in gold with a blue head, a gold star and a field with a burning pitcher. Rings of faux pods separate the center from a series of grotesque motifs of small birds and masks. These go around the basin and are, in fact, faithfully repeated on the brim. The main decoration develops inside the flounce of the basin, which sees alternating symmetrical figures of winged harpies and chimeras. The ornamentation, outlined in orange, green and blue, stands out against the white enamel background. This decorative style, defined since the Renaissance as “grottesche” or “raffaellesche”, refers to the decorations introduced after the discovery of the paintings of the Domus Aurea towards the end of the fifteenth century. The discovery of Nero's palace, buried inside Colle Oppio by damnatio memoriae, occurred by chance when a young Roman, in 1480, fell into a large crack which had opened in the ground on the hill, thus finding himself in a cave with walls covered with painted figures. The great artists present in the papal city, including Pinturicchio, Ghirlandaio, Raffaello, immediately visited these caves. The decorations found there soon became a decorative subject of immense success: the term grotesque , with the meaning of “unusual,” “caricatured,” or “monstrous,” was later commented by Vasari in 1550 as “una spezie di pittura licenziose e ridicole molto”( “a very licentious and ridiculous kind of painting”). The decorations “a grottesche” also widely circulated in ceramic factories, through the use of engravings, variously interpreted according to the creativity of the artists or the requests of the client. Our basin is reflected in similar artifacts produced at the end of the sixteenth century by the factories of the Urbino district. See the series of basins preserved in the main French museums, among which the closest in morphology is that of the Campana collection of the Louvre (Inv. OA1496); this however has a more complex figure decoration, while the decoration of our specimen is sober and with a watercolor style. The style, sure in its execution, approaches decorative results still close to the works produced around the middle of the sixteenth century by the Fontana workshop. The decoration is closely linked to their taste, which later finds its natural outlet, through the work of Antonio, also in the Patanazzi workshop. Studies show the contiguity between the two workshops due to the kinship and collaboration between the masters Orazio Fontana and Antonio Patanazzi, both trained in the workshop of Guido Fontana il Durantino. It is therefore almost natural that their works, often created according to similar typologies and under the aegis of the same commissions, are not always easily distinguishable, so much so that the presence of historiated or “grottesche” works by Orazio is documented and preserved in Antonio Patanazzi's workshop. Given that the studies have always emphasized the collaboration between several hands in the context of the shops, it is known that the most ancient “grottesche” works thus far known, can be dated from 1560, when the Fontana shop created the so-called Servizio Spagnolo (Spanish Service) and how, from that moment on, this ornamentation became one of the most requested by high-ranking clients. We remember the works created for the Granduchi di Toscana, when Flaminio Fontana along with his uncle Orazio supplied ceramics to Florence, and, later, other commissions of considerable importance: those for the service of the Duchi d’Este or for the Messina Farmacia of Roccavaldina, associated with the Patanazzi workshop when, now after 1580, Antonio Patanazzi began to sign his own work. Thus, in our basin, the presence of masks hanging from garlands, a theme of more ancient memory, is associated in the work with more advanced stylistic motifs, such as the hatching of the chimeras and harpies. These are found here on the front with the wings painted in two ornate ways. In addition, the theme of the birds on the edge completes the decoration along the thin brim and can be seen as representing an early style typical of the Urbino district during a period of activity and collaboration between the two workshops. Later, a more “doll-like” decorative choice, typical of the end of the century and the beginning of the seventeenth century, characterized the period of the Patanazzi workshop under the direction of Francesco. Bibliography: Philippe Morel, Il funzionamento simbolico e la critica delle grottesche nella seconda metà del Cinquecento, in: Marcello Fagiolo, (a cura di), Roma e...

Curious group of five Italian ceramics, bright and cheerful orange and of different shapes and sizes that make up a single spiral centerpiece. On the bottom, all of them are covered ...

A very rare specimen of a perforated ceramic pitcher made by Giovanni Lapucci in Monte San Savino, located in the Province of Arezzo, Italy. The La...

A pair of 1930s cream Richard Ginori ceramic vases stamped Richard Ginori on the base. Found here in Italy and shipping from our HQ in Florence.

Wall panel composed of a very rare group of 6 ceramic tiles designed in 1960 by Gio Ponti for Joo Ceramiche Milano, "diamond" model, fire-red in white aluminum frame. The whole panel...

A set of eight polychrome ceramic tiles from the series La Casa degli Efebi, designed by Gio Ponti in 1923 and produced by Ceramiche Bardelli in the 1980s. Each tile measures 20 x 2...

The atmosphere and the world of Lisa Corti interpreted by Laboratorio Paravicini. The new collection of dishes combines the two brands for a table that makes the imagination travel b...

Il Circo (circus) dinner plate from the mid 1930's Italy designed by Gio Ponti for Ginori. Decorated with a charming Modernist galloping horse. Age line across front, best used for d...

Beautiful Cheetah - Italian ceramic, perfect condition, produced in 1960s. We have also another big cats for sale, check our products. Only one unique piece available. Signed "made i...

Futurist ceramic lidded container, airbrushed by Angelo Simonetti for Galvani. Please watch the video and photos carefully, thank you. Weight: 0.544 Kg NOTE: We offer our customer...

Elevate your summer gatherings with the charming Menagerie D’été Hand-Painted Ceramic Salad Plate Set. This delightful set features four uniquely designed plates, each adorned with p...

Add a striking touch of exotic sophistication to your table setting with the Black Collection Porcelain Plate Set. This captivating set features four beautifully designed porcelain p...

Bring rustic charm and countryside warmth to your table with the Barn Collection Hand-Painted Ceramic Dinner Plate Set. This enchanting set features four distinctively designed salad...

'Rimini blu' glazed ceramic vase designed by Aldo Londi for by Bitossi. Italy, 1960s. This eye-catching vase is made of blue glazed ceramic with engraved patterns surrounding the cen...

Elevate your summer gatherings with the charming Menagerie D’été Hand-Painted Ceramic Dinner Plate Set. This delightful set features four uniquely designed dinner plates, each adorne...

Two small dishes Antonio Maria Coppellotti Manufacture Lodi, Circa 1740 High fire polychrome majolica They measure: diameter 7.08 in(18 cm) Weight: 0.37 lb (170 g) State of conservat...

Maiolica chargers are large, decorative ceramic plates that are part of the broader tradition of Maiolica pottery, a type of tin-glazed earthenware produced in Italy since the Renais...

Maiolica plate (tondino) Urbino district, Casteldurante or Pesaro, 1533-1555 It measures: diam. 7.48 in (19 cm), foot diam. 2.75 in (7 cm), height 1.0...

Every plate from this exquisite set is entirely crafted and painted exclusively by hand in the tradition and quality that have made Paravicini famous all over the world. Made of fine...

Le mani in porcellana della collezione Anatomica, creata da Vito Nesta per il suo brand Grand Tour, sono un oggetto di design intramontabile e di grande valore decorativo. La produzione di queste porcellane è affidata a Fratelli Majello che dal 1867 sono maestri delle lavorazioni di Capodimonte. Ogni mano è decorata con estro e fantasia, ben 20 decori sono infatti disponibili, avendo la possibilità di integrarsi alla perfezione in qualsiasi ambiente, che sia una camera da letto, un mobile ingresso...

A fine designer ceramic pitcher. In terracotta. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In the 'Thumbprint' pattern. Marked to the base for E. Peretti for Tiffany / Italy. Simply a wo...

Le mani in porcellana della collezione Anatomica, creata da Vito Nesta per il suo brand Grand Tour, sono un oggetto di design intramontabile e di grande valore decorativo. La produzione di queste porcellane è affidata a Fratelli Majello che dal 1867 sono maestri delle lavorazioni di Capodimonte. Ogni mano è decorata con estro e fantasia, ben 20 decori sono infatti disponibili, avendo la possibilità di integrarsi alla perfezione in qualsiasi ambiente, che sia una camera da letto, un mobile ingresso...

Le mani in porcellana della collezione Anatomica, creata da Vito Nesta per il suo brand Grand Tour, sono un oggetto di design intramontabile e di grande valore decorativo. La produzi...

Beautiful vase made from Murano glass in perfect condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No jags, defects etc. Only one unique piece. Venetian glass (...

Rare ceramic tile designed in 1968 by Ettore Sottsass for Cedit Ceramiche aluminum frame Size with frame 35x35 cm, tile size 15x15 cm, protrusion from the wall 5 cm Very good cond...

A giant sized handmade Rimini blue ceramic vase designed by Aldo Londi and manufactured by Bitossi. Italy, 1960s. Blue glazed ceramic with engraved patterns adorning the top of the ...

Black or dark purple vase in amazing organic shape. Produced in 1960s. Glass in perfect condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of t...

Original and signed by Giovanni DeSimone, this hand-painted little plate is full of colour and life depicting a busy Sicilian fisherman Small in size, huge on personality - Giovanni ...

Le mani in porcellana della collezione Anatomica, creata da Vito Nesta per il suo brand Grand Tour, sono un oggetto di design intramontabile e di grande valore decorativo. La produzione di queste porcellane è affidata a Fratelli Majello che dal 1867 sono maestri delle lavorazioni di Capodimonte. Ogni mano è decorata con estro e fantasia, ben 20 decori sono infatti disponibili, avendo la possibilità di integrarsi alla perfezione in qualsiasi ambiente, che sia una camera da letto, un mobile ingresso...

The four jugs with their respective basins make up a homogeneous and visually very pleasing group as a whole, despite the fact that they do not share a common geographical origin. T...

Coffee pot Antonio Maria Coppellotti Manufacture Lodi, Circa 1740 High fire polychrome maiolica It measures: 7.87 in x 6,49 x 5.11 (20 cm x 16,5 x 13); weight 1.23 lb (561 g) ...

Majolica pitcher Antonio Maria Coppellotti Manufacture Lodi, circa 1735 Majolica decorated in cobalt blue monochrome It measures 7.36 in hight x 8.07 x 4.52 (h 18.7 cm x 20.5 x 11.5...

A red blue decanter with heart shape design, made by one of the many glass manufacturers in Italy. Would make a great addition to any collection! Original good vintage condition. Onl...

This striking sculpture is part of the Anatomica series by Vito Nesta, featuring decorative objects with simple and essential anatomical shapes characterized by bold, contrasting col...

Wall panel composed of a very rare group of 6 ceramic tiles designed in 1960 by Gio Ponti for Joo Ceramiche Milano, "diamond" model, fire-red in white aluminum frame. The whole panel...

Pair of 19th-century Italian Renaissance Style Majolica portrait chargers  Style of Cantagalli: One dish has two minor 'flea-bite' chips to the back, not...

Painted ceramic, very good original vintage condition. No damages or cracks. Beautiful and unique decorative sculpture. Mini White Poodle Dog Sculpture was produced in Italy. Only on...

Piero Fornasetti by Armando Testa Studio Very rare and limited series, Italy, 1960s.

This original vintage ceramic bowls element was designed and produced in the 1970s in Lombardia, Italy. It is made in Sommerso Technique and has ...

Purple ceramic cachepot Perfect condiction.

Painted ceramic, very good original vintage condition. No damages or cracks. Beautiful and unique decorative sculpture. Mini White Dalmatian Dog Sculpture was produced in Italy. Only...

Beautiful squared wall mounted tile plate in colored ceramic representing three fishes by the Italian artisti Giovanni De Simone. Giovanni De Simone was a great Sicilian artist...

Vintage glass in good original condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. One defect on the top of the vase. Only one unique piece. Crystal glass.

These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...

Gorgeous wiener dog sculpture from the "Rimini Blu" collection by Flavia Montelupo for Bitossi. This lovely and rare sculpture was designed by Flavia Montelupo and produced by Bitoss...

Large ceramic wall panel Giovanni De Simone 1960 Sicilian Art Picasso Horse Rider. In his hometown he founded his own workshop "Maioliche d'Arte De Simo...

Bruno Gambone tall stoneware or ceramic vase or bottle in dark brown and matte off-white glaze with incised line around upper area below the bottle neck, Italy, 1970s. Marked with gl...

This Art Deco Sculpture was produced in Italy and more precisely in Milan, by Guido Cacciapuoti in the 1930s.  The base is in ebonized wood and the sculpture, a couple of fishes is in light blue porcelain stoneware. Under the base there is the label 'Made in Italy, G. Cacciapuoti, Ceramics and...

Green ceramic vase with vertical ribbing, design Giovanni Gariboldi for Richard Ginori, 1950s. CONDITION: In fair condition, shows signs of wear given by time visible in photo. DIM...

Stunning sphere-shaped terracotta ceramic Rimini blue vase for Bitossi. This magnificent set was designed by Aldo Londi in Italy during 1960s. This...

Giovanni De simone 1970s ceramic plate with slaughter of multicolored fish and fishermen.

Painted ceramic, very good original vintage condition. No damages or cracks. Beautiful and unique decorative sculpture. Small Dogs Sculpture was produced in Italy. Only one item avai...

This exquisite set of 12 dinner plates is a celebration of Paravicini's masterful craftsmanship and sophistication and the splendor of nature rendered in the magnificent colors. A precious addition to any home, each plate is crafted and painted by hand depicting a different variety of flowers. Best paired with clear glassware...

A life size sitting porcelain Dalmatian, made by Italian company Ceramiche Bell'Europa of Marostica and Cartigliano, circa 1999. Cast in a true to ...

This striking sculpture is part of the Anatomica series by Vito Nesta, featuring decorative objects with simple and essential anatomical shapes characterized by bold, contrasting colors and modern flair. Made of Capodimonte porcelain with a glossy, white finish, this sculpture is shaped like a hand, decorated with elements from ancient tarot cards.

very rare stackable ceramic "cone" set, production Franco Pozzi Pierre Cardin designed by Ettore Sottsass rare white / light green alternating...

Elevate your table with The Sultan's Garden plate, a harmonious blend of artistry and elegance. The hand-painted border frames a delicate floral design, created with a hand-applied d...

Rare design by Aldo Londi for Bitossi. Rimini Blue ceramic footed vase with geometric motifs, Italy, 1960s This stunning glazed ceramic vase has a pattern with circles in dark blue with rhombus inside in shades of green / turquoise color accented by decorative flowers. Excellent vintage condition. This piece is perfect as a gift idea and it could placed alone or with other 'Rimini Blu'Bitossi pieces creating a set. Display it in a cabinet or on a console table, with flowers or just as a cool decorative vase. Measures: 22 cm height x 18 cm diameter (8,66 in height X 7,08 in diameter ) More Bitossi Aldo Londi pieces are avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. About Bitossi (Manufacturer) Like a Fellini movie, the ceramics of this famed Italian company embody a creative spectrum that ranges from the playful and earthy to the high-minded and provocative. Based in Florence, Bitossi Ceramiche draws on craft traditions that date back to the 1500s. These find expression in the artisanal vases and animal figures by the firm’s longtime art director Aldo Londi, as well as the colorful, totemic vessels designed by the high priest of postmodernism, Ettore Sottsass. The company was incorporated by Guido Bitossi in 1921, though the family began making art pottery in the mid-19th century. In the 1930s, Londi came aboard, bringing with him a mindset that respected time-honored craft, yet looked also to the future. On the one hand, Londi’s perspective fostered the making of Bitossi’s popular whimsical animal figures, hand-shaped and -carved and finished in a rich azure glaze known as “Rimini Blue.” But with his other hand, Londi reached out to thoughtful, experimental designers such as Sottsass. Starting in the 1950s, some 20 years before he founded the Memphis Postmodern design...

Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No jags, defects etc. Only one unique piece. Murano glass.

This striking sculpture is part of the Anatomica series by Vito Nesta, featuring decorative objects with simple and essential anatomical shapes characterized by bold, contrasting col...

Set of 2 vintage Gucci porcelain plates in the motif of poker cards / Made in Italy Original stamp on the base Diameter: 8.5 inches, height 1 inch set of 2 available in stock in Ital...

Crespina Faenza, last quarter of the 16th century Maiolica painted in two colors, light blue and yellow, on a thick, rich layer of white enamel. It measures 2.24 in (5.7 cm) in height, 6.10 in (15.5 cm) in diameter. lb 0.55 (kg 0.25) State of conservation: mimetic restoration. The small cup has a raised central “umbone”, a perforated brim and a shaped rim. It rests on a high jutting foot. The "crespina" shape, in some inventories is cited as "tacce de frute" (fruit cups). It was particularly appreciated in the Renaissance and has variants based on the formal types and the different sizes. The decoration, made according to the dictates of the “compendiario” style, used few standardized colors: blue and yellow on a thick white and shiny enamel, deliberately chosen as the colour which was most reminiscent of silver. This choice derived from a trend in creative design of the era: the shapes used in the molds were often taken from metal objects. An idea which would last throughout the Renaissance. The work shows, in the middle of the “umbone”, a winged putto stepping forward while playing a long thin trumpet. The depiction of the putto is fully representative of the repertoire of the Faenza workshops of the sixteenth century. Some specimens with this type of decoration have been published in a volume by Carmen Ravanelli Guidotti: there appears the whole productive repertoire of this fundamental moment of transition between the taste for the “istoriato” style and the great simplification of decoration in the “compendiario” period. This style, in its simplicity, however, saw its expression in a rather varied collection of decorative subjects, including old-fashioned busts...

Bruno Gambone ceramic jug or pitcher with handle in tan or camel glaze including bands of off-white and dark brown. Signed on underside 'GAMBONE ITALY.'

Revel in the rustic charm of the 1950s with this stunning vintage ceramic set by C.A.S. Vietri, an iconic name in Italian pottery. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this s...

Very nice and large Italian modern umbrella stand designed by Aldo Londo for Bitossi. Ceramics Rimini Blue Perfect conditions

Set of two Bitossi Aldo Londi for Cer Paoli Sahara range ceramic vases. Italy, 1960s. Ceramiche Paoli "Cer Paoli" was created at the end of the Second World ...

very rare ceramic tile , produced by Richard Ginori in 1965, designed by Gio Ponti. Published in the most important books concerning postwar Italian Ceramic production, displayed in ...

German-born artist Josef Albers wonderfully designed Homage to the Square, four glazed Italian porcelain ceramic platters, chargers, plates, each hallmarked/stamped on verso, from a limited sold-out edition. Each platter comes in its original box and is based on Albers' 1954 original oil on masonite work. Albers is widely considered one of the most influential artists and teachers of the visual arts in the twentieth century. The platters were done in a limited edition run of 1500 in 1999 and quickly sold out. They were all made in Italy specifically for MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art). Would be a great addition to any modern art or ceramic collection. These platters have become rare and scarce - especially in this pristine, as new condition. Platter dimensions: .75" high, 11.75" wide, 11.75" deep...

Beautiful vase made from Murano glass in perfect condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No jags, defects etc. Only one unique piece. Venetian glass (...

"Liisi" white ashtray by the designer Liisi Beckmann for Gabianelli, Italy, circa 1970s.

A standout centrepiece, the Verona vase is handmade in Italy. Our design comes in four colourways: pink & blue, tan & ivory, yellow & verde and terracotta & cream. Height: 20cm Hei...

This Bucciarelli mushrooms set includes 7 coasters, . These are in pretty good condition considering their age, with slight losses of the color and some very light scratches. Each pi...

Gio Ponti two 'Vendemmia' series tiles in frames for Richard Ginori, Italy, 1920s Fully marked.