This exceptionally sculptural work of Italian mid-century Modern design by theBertoncello Ceramiche D'Arte (estd. c.1956 - c.1999). The form is that of a 3D crescent moon partially embedded into the surface the piece rests upon. Further elevating this piece is the richly silky glaze that invites touch, this glaze is one of two Bertoncello signature glazes called the Screziato. This particular shade is the Screziato Tabacco, a sumptuously glaze that is silky to touch, visually, it presents as a refined blending of rich, Golden Ochre, tinged with Sienna which gives added depth. Take a step back to view this piece as a whole and the glaze effect resembles leather or marbled stone.
Like many other Italian potteries that were popular during the mid-century period, little is known about the pottery but the exceptional quality of design undeniably speaks for itself.
This work would suit a space with Modernist, Minimalist and Mid Century décor, either as a standalone work of art ceramic or functionally as a vase or planter. The majestic size, refined form and overall condition of this piece makes it a rare find.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. Most notable wear are the movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The base bears model number '972'.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 10.2" / 26 cm. Length c. 11.4" / 29 cm (across body's longest point). Depth: c. 4.7" / 12 cm. Base measurements: c. 6" / 15.2 cm x c. 3" / 7.7 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.3 kg / 1,250 g
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Bertoncello Ceramiche D'Arte was founded in Schiavon, Italy around 1956 and was first known as LBP, an acronym created with the first letters of the founders surnames Mr Lini, Giovanni Bertoncello and Mr Pizzato.
For many years it was run solely by Giovanni Bertoncello (b. 1930 - d. 2011) and his brother Felice after Mr Lini left the company a few years after the pottery's founding. By the 1970s the pottery had grown to a staff of around 30 with Giovanni being the creative driving force behind the forms and glazes. In the early years Giovanni benefited from some support by a Venetian teacher, Mr. Boatto. Sadly not a lot is known about the company as all its catalogues and archives were destroyed when the company closed in 1999, however, the legacy of Bertoncello's design is undeniable in the history of Italian mid century art ceramics.
Bertoncello's signature designs are often very sculptural, with echoes from geometricism and modern architecture. Dramatic curves, rounded edges and corners, pierced forms and an organic feel are recurring features.
Murano Vetro Artistico Veneziano Candy Apple and Silver Avventurine Cased Sculptural Dish, 1960s-70s
Regular price£63.00
Save £-63.00
This striking and vivid work of handblown, hot worked of mid-century art glass is by Murano, Vetro Artistico Veneziano. This piece brings with it a beautiful demonstration of the Avventurina technique. Avventurina [tr. Aventurine] is one of many popular and widely recognised Murano technique and as its name suggests, is glass decorated with aventitius surface effects resembling the shimmering flecks of natural quartz. The decoration revives a 17th century technique pioneered in the Murano (Venice) glasshouse of the Miotto family.
This particular piece brings together a bold Candy Apple red with an exterior of silver floating shimmers that is cased in clear glass and worked into the organic, tricorn form. The clear casing is finished with 3 pulled rims, each supporting one of the three folded tips.
Highly tactile, the form invites touch and the timeless style is suitable for standalone display or functional use.
CONDITION Excellent. There is very light use wear, most prominently on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The piece is additionally marked with most of the Vetro Artistico Veneziano label on the underside of the base.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 2.8" / 7 cm (base to rim) x c. 5.4" / 13.6 cm width (across widest point) Base: c. 1.2" / 3 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.5 kg / 490 g.
NOTES Dish will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
Murano Mother of Pearl Satin in Pastel Rainbow, Herringbone Pattern Jug Vase, 1960-70s, Rare
Regular price£268.00
Save £-268.00
This vividly exquisite handblown work of mid-century Murano art glass brings with it the incredible beauty created by a number of expert Murano glass working techniques.
The expert techniques showcased in this handblown and sculpted piece of art glass includes: - Satinato, the art glass technique that creates a 'frosted' or 'satin effect' - Lattimo, also known as milk glass, as the final glass looks like fine china porcelain - Zanferico, the glass technique that gives rise to elegantly striped and colourful objects. Different colours are fused together to form a striped mass that is then blown and shaped
As if the featuring of 3 exceptional Murano techniques was not enough, there is a further mother of pearl effect, Herringbone-patterned layer on the exterior surface, encasing the body. The work is finished with a ribbed and scalloped satin handle and a fluted ripple rim.
This stunning work is the Murano mid-century interpretation of Victorian art glass that enjoyed a popular revival at the time. The combination of the palette, condition, and form makes this piece a highly prized and rare find.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. There is very faint and negligible surface wear on the exterior of the vase. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 8.9" / 22.7 cm x c. 3.7" / 9.5 cm wide (across widest point) x depth: c. 2.2" / 5.5cm. Base: c. 2.2" / 5.5 cm x c. 1.3" / 3.4. Rim c. 3.2" / 8.2 cm x c. 0.8" / 2 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.8 kg / 790 g.
NOTES The vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
Regular price
£268.00Sale price£182.00
Save £86.00
THE ITEM This stunning work is of Modernist art glass is a celebration of the highly skilled Murano Sommerso technique. Sommerso is one of the most famous Murano techniques, ['Sommerso' translation: 'submerged']. Sommerso is used to create several layers of glass (usually with different contrasting colours) inside a single object, giving the illusion of immersed' colours without mixing. This technique is easily recognisable; characterised by an outer 'casing' of clear glass and the thick 'bands' of coloured glass inside it.
This particular piece has the sought after triple-layer Sommerso, beginning with a core of Apple green, the next layer is vibrant Ocean blue and the final layer is a graduating Magenta pink. The work is finished with the wings of Azure blue which flourish with a flare at the rim.
The cased layers are arranged in an abstract pitcher shape with a gently exaggerated rim. The effect of each colour is similar to freezing the moment in time when a paintbrush is dipped into water and the colour ripples outwards.
This exceptional piece is unique as it features Kintsugi golden seams following a careful repair and highlighting process and even rarer as Kintsugi is typically applied to repairing ceramics rather than glass. The Kintsugi technique used is modern and has been applied in a tactile manner, a striking compliment to the colour palette of this piece.
CONDITION Excellent. This piece has been carefully repaired using a robust water-resistant and durable resin. There is natural and very mild surface wear that is commensurate with the age of the piece.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 7.8" / 20 cm tall by c. 4.3" / 11 cm width (across body's widest point). Base diameter: c. 1.8" / 4.5 cm. Depth: c. 2.4" / 6 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.1 kg / 1,135 g
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
Kintsugi is a Japanese philosophy with similarities to the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, which includes ideas surrounding the embracing of the flawed or imperfect. The art of Kintsugi ("golden joinery") is typically the repairing of broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The aesthetics of this philosophy values breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise.