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.
Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby, 1956-57 Iris Series, Blue and White Stripe Polka, Wide Brim Vase
Regular price£216.00
Save £-216.00
This delicious work of Swedish Mid Century Modern design is by Mari Simmulson (b. 1911- d. 2000) for Upsala Ekeby. Simmulson was a celebrated Swedish ceramics designer and ceramicist, known for many series she designed at Upsala Ekeby which went on to become classics. This hand-thrown and hand-glazed work comes from Simmulson's Iris series, these earthenware works were designed around 1956 to 1957. The series is characterised by the delightfully organic blue and white stripes that are edged with Vanilla cream dots. There is firm delineation between the stripes and dots combined with the glossy glaze gives this piece a very touchable, tactile quality. The combination of the organic lines in black, the 'sprinkled' blue and pink speckled white glaze that is highlighted by the cheerful cream dots makes brings a joyful vibe to the overall piece.
This design is typically more difficult to source and the great condition this particular piece is in makes it an even rarer find. Stylistically, this work is timeless and is suitable for standalone display or functionally as a vase, a bowl or even as a tealight lantern.
CONDITION Excellent - there are no chips, cracks or repairs on the exterior of the vase. Mentioned for completeness: there is a single chip on the underside of the 'frog' (flowerholder) c. 1cm x 0.6cm that is not visible during display. The underside of the base is inscribed with Upsala Ekebys 'Ekeby' and Simmulson's 'ms' monogram as well as the model number '328'.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 4.3" / 11 cm tall (from base to rim). Rim measurements: c. 7.2" / 18.2 cm (across widest point). 'Frog' (flower holder) diameter: c. 3.1" / 7.8 cm Base measurements: c. 3.5" / 8.8 cm. Depth: c. 3.7" / 9.3 cm (from rim). Unpackaged weight: c. 0.8 kg / 760 g
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Mari Peterson Särgava, ceramicist and textile artist (b. 1911- d. 2000) began her career with an internship with Arabia in Finland and it was during this time she married Gustaf Simmulson.
Simmulson moved to Sweden in 1944 and began working with Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsbergs, staying until 1949. Her career took her to Uppsala Ekeby in 1949, where she designed vases, figures, reliefs and wall paintings, many of them noted as unique pieces. She became a leading designer at Uppsala Ekeby where she remained until the early 1970s. Simmulson also received commissions for public pieces including at Luleå Kol, Upplandsbanken and Pharmacia.
Duif Keramiek Sculptural Globe, Statement Jug Vase in Nutmeg Speckled Stoneware Cream Glaze, 1970s
Regular price£396.00
Save £-396.00
This charmingly chic and sculptural statement piece is of Seventies Modernist design by Dutch company Duif Keramiek. Crafted from white clay, the form of this piece is that of a polished globe shape that has been lightly 'shaved' at two sides and then rounded inwards to create the handle of the vase. The composition is finished with a 'stand-up collar' rim. The simple but elegant form makes this an excellent piece for the beautiful glaze that is a cream-beige accented with Nutmeg brown speckles. The imposing Statement size and design, combined with the palette and condition of the piece makes it an exceptionally rare find.
This timelessly elegant and very Modernist piece would suit a Minimalist, Modernist or even Contemporary décor themed room.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, damage or repairs. There is mild use wear that is most evident in movement marks on the underside of the base. Please do refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 9.1" / 23 cm x diameter: c. 7.7" / 19.5 cm (across widest point). Rim opening: c. 3.9" / 10 cm. Base diameter: c. 4.6" / 11.7 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 2.4 kg / 2,390 g
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Duif Keramiek (1956 – present) Duif Keramiek was founded by Joop Duivenvoorden who began his career by driving up and down the Netherlands selling flowers every day. It was this connection to flowers that helped him see great potential in mini vases. From this, he decided to start his own business and founded Duif’s Keramiek BV on 1 February 1956. Originally based in a garage, he began his one-man business selling mini vases to florists.
Duif’s developed into a modern ceramics business with 15 employees, with sales reps selling directly out of their lorries. Later, they started visiting clients and attending trade fairs across the Netherlands. Duivenvoorden’s two sons, John and Marcel, joined the family business in the early 1980s and in 1984, Duif’s opened a store at Cultra. Duif’s continued to experience success over the years, expanding to importing and exporting - not just ceramics but glassware too. The company became Duif’s international in 2016, with its import and export range extended to other materials such as metals and decorative products such as silk flowers.
Edelstein Bavaria, Mid Century ‘Sunburst Supernova’ Textured Op Art White Porcelain Vase, 1960s-70s
Regular price£56.00
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This elegant and charming work was designed and produced by Edelstein of Bavaria, Germany. Characteristic to mid-century Op Art or Pop Art design, the décor of this piece is very tactile and is likened to a stylised Sunburst or Supernova. The design is the feature on both sides of the vase, making this a double-faced piece. The form is also abstract to that of a traditional bottle form with the neck taking on mildly exaggerated curves to create a bevelled oval rim.
Stylistically timeless and subtle but yet very much of the Op Art movement, this piece is versatile enough to be displayed as a standalone piece or used functionally.
CONDITION Excellent. There are no chips, cracks or repairs. Mentioned for completeness, there is mild wear of movement marks on the underside of the base and also a spot where the glaze did not completely cover the vase that is not visible when the vase is upright. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base bears Edelstein's stamp.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 6.8" / 17.3 cm tall (from base to rim). Rim measurements: c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm x c. 1.5" / 3.8 cm. Width: c. 5.9" / 15 cm (across widest point). Depth: c. 2.9" / 7.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 555 g
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Edelstein Bavaria was founded by Julius Edelstein in 1919 who right from the start specialised in porcelain tableware and decorative pieces. Edelstein enjoyed great success and by the mid-1920s employed up to 600 people. Sadly and like many other companies of the time, suffered from the world war. Though the company recovered to employing around 400 people during the 1950s, it would only last for another 2 decades until it was finally closed down in the 1970s.
Vallauris France, Chocolate, Cherry and Honeycomb Palette Running Lava Splash Form Dish, 1950s-70s
Regular price£116.00
Save £-116.00
This beautifully undulating work of Mid Century design is from Vallauris, France. Artistic ceramics began to emerge from Vallauris from the end of the 19th century and was elevated further by the arrival of Picasso from 1948.
The form of this particular piece is stylised, with the closest glass counterpart being the Splash bowl, examples of which have been made iconic by Murano. However, unlike a glass Splash bowl which mimics thinner liquids, this work more closely mimics melted chocolate. There are four crests to the 'splash', rising from the broadly rectangular form. The base glaze is a rich, smooth and glossy Milk Chocolate brown. Overlaid onto the base glaze is a interspersing and running glaze in tones of Cherry Red, Vanilla cream and varying tones of brown in Honeycomb, Fudge and Caramel.
The majestic size with the subtly striking palette makes this piece suitable for standalone display or for functional use as a table centrepiece.
CONDITION Excellent. There are no chips, cracks or repairs. There is mild surface wear and movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the piece. Please see photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the vase bears the 'Vallauris' inscription.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 4.4" / 11.2 cm. Rim measurements: c. 12.2" / 31 cm x c. 8.3" / 21 cm (across longest/widest points). Depth: c. 2" / 5 cm. Base measurements: c. 7.2" / 18.3 cm x c. 2.8" / 7 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.4 kg / 1,420 g
NOTES Dish will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Vallauris Pottery Ceramics have always been part of the Vallauris region, however, artistic ceramics began to emerge from Vallauris from the end of the 19th century notably thanks to the Massier family. Other famous names include Delphin and Jérôme introduced coloured enamels and metallic pigments into their ceramics. The region's reputation was elevated further by the arrival of Picasso from 1948.
