Verdant Mid-Century Ceramic Maltese Cross

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Verdant Mid-Century Ceramic Maltese Cross

About the Item

This robustly glazed ceramic Maltese cross represents the confluence of religious symbolism and mid-century modern aesthetics, crafted by the hands of European studio pottery artists. The cross is characterized by its equilateral arms and a deep, emerald green glaze that suggests a connection to nature and life, resonating with the period's affinity for organic hues and textures. At the center, a rough-textured, volcanic-like overglaze in stark black provides a dramatic visual and tactile contrast, perhaps symbolizing the tumultuous intersection of human suffering with divine grace. The Maltese cross shape, with its historical associations of courage and sacrifice, is reinterpreted here with a modernist touch, bearing the minimalist yet bold statement of mid-century artistry. Each arm of the cross is accented with a thin, red line, framing the green and adding an additional layer of depth and complexity to the piece. The red lines converge at the center, drawing the eye to the core of the cross where the black overglaze erupts. This convergence can be seen as a metaphor for the convergence of earthly struggles and celestial hope. This object is as much a piece of spiritual contemplation as it is a representative of its time—when artists were exploring the boundaries of materials and meanings, and when studio pottery became a vessel for both personal expression and functional art. The cross's design is indicative of a period when traditional symbols were being re-envisioned through the lens of contemporary culture and artistic movements. Our European cross collection (Tradition & Modernism) is composed of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces made by Studio Pottery artists from the 1950s to 1970s. They show a range of diverse styles, from modernism to brutalism. Each artist has taken a unique approach to depict faith through the language of art and the medium of ceramics. Through this collection, artists merge artistic expression with traditional religious iconography, blending established symbols, motifs, and narratives with contemporary artistic styles. This thoughtful and deliberate endeavor demands both artistic skill and a profound understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of the subject matter. Through this synthesis, artists create works that reflect their individual creativity while honoring centuries-old traditions of religious imagery. The resulting artworks resonate with both aesthetic and spiritual significance, offering viewers a seamless integration of artistic and religious elements.

Dimensions:
Height: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)Width: 3 in (7.62 cm)Depth: 0.25 in (6.35 mm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Ceramic
Place of Origin:
Europe
Period:
1950-1959
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1950
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Chicago, IL
Reference Number:
Seller: Ref: Cross 76 - 20231stDibs: LU5962234635302

An exceptionally rare, museum quality Maltese, Neoclassical walnut chest of drawers with ebonised & fruitwood inlaid maltese cross on the top and drawer fronts Maltese furniture of this period is exceptional reflecting the status and affluence of the island. Given the size of the island relatively little Maltese furniture was made in comparison to Europe & American mainland. Minature furniture is rare made either as a model or an apprentice's piece so it is extremely rare to find a minature piece from Malta bearing the Maltese cross. This minature commode is highly original with beautiful proportions, ornamentation and patination. The 'H' shaped top with a large centered inlaid Maltese Cross and a border of stringing. The breakfront fitted with three drawers each with stringing and inlaid six point stars centrally positioned behind the wooden knobs. The uprights with two continuous vertical bands of stringing ebonised and fruitwood from the top to the bottom of the drawers in walnut to match the front of the chest and then reverting to ebonising and fruitwood down the feet. Terminating in tapering feet. The panelled sides with a repeat of the double banding on the uprights and rectangular borders within the panels. The oak lined drawers with the original 18th century blue paper lining. Measures: length 27 cm 10 1/2", height 24 cm 9 1/2", depth 20 cm 8". Maltese Cross: The Maltese cross is a symbol that is most commonly associated with the Knights of Malta (also known as the Knights Hospitallers...

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