A wonderfully sumptuous piece of mid-century modern ceramic. The texture of the glaze, the colours, the curves and the balance of the form ...
It is every bit as ultra-chic as it looks and even more so 'in the flesh'. The glaze is silky and smooth to touch and visually, is a refined blending of rich and pale vanilla, tinged with deep sienna which gives added depth. Step back to look at the piece as a whole, it resembles well-aged tanned leather or Italian marble.
There are no unnecessarily exaggerated curves where there shouldn't be and as an overall piece, there is fantastic aesthetic balance.
A rare size for the shape, this piece has excellent presence and makes it piece a work of art that command attention in own space. Would suit a retro, mid century modern, contemporary, vintage or even industrial decor themed room.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Bertoncello Ceramiche was founded in Schiavon, Italy around 1956. For many years it was run solely by a Mr. Lini and Giovanni Bertoncello (1930-2011), but by the 1970s had a staff of around 30. Giovanni was the creative force behind the forms and glazes, supported later by a Mr. Boatto – a Venetian teacher.
Sadly not a lot is known about the company because all its catalogues and archives were destroyed when the company closed in 1999. The forms of Bertoncello pottery are often very sculptural, modern and organic and some look like smaller studies or maquettes for massive modernist sculptures that are yet to be built. This sculptural appearance of many pieces was enhanced by the use of feet which subtly raise the piece off the surface on which it sits.
CONDITION
Mint condition, there is no sign of use or any damage.
The vase was made with standing ridges on the base to keep the base off the surface it stood on, there was also standing foam applied to the ridges. Base also bears the number '142', please see photos as part of condition report.
MEASUREMENTS
c. 9" / 23 cm tall by c. 9.5" / 24 cm wide (across body's widest point)
Unpackaged weight: c. 1.2 kg / 1,208 g
NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.