Currently held on consignment at Andrews Oakville
This exceptional and rare sculptural work of Italian mid-century Modern design by the Bertoncello 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. Though the form of this piece is rare, the highlight of the piece is to find this form decorated in the rare Azure blue and Fire palette gloss glaze. The sumptuous glaze uses the rich Azure as a base, applied in a seamless and silky-to-touch manner. Overlaid onto the base is the fiery palette of oranges tones in Flame, Sienna and brick that is interspersed with the deep yellows of Saffron and Goldfinch. The final glaze accent is the trails of Porcelain white mixed with the Azure blue.
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, Contemporary 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. There is mild use wear on the interior and negligible 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.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 12" / 30.5 cm. Length c. 13.1" / 33.3 cm (across body's longest point). Depth: c. 5.6" / 14.3 cm. Base measurements: c. 6.8" / 17.2 cm x c. 3.5" / 9 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 2.6 kg / 2,555 g
NOTES
Planter 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.
