Currently held on consignment at Andrews Oakville
This rare and elegant work of mid-century Modern art ceramic by the Italian pottery Bertoncello Ceramiche D'Arte (est. c. 1956 - c. 1999). The dramatically curved and sculpted form firmly displays influences of Modernist design as well as design qualities reminiscent of Art Deco Bauhaus geometricism. The overall shape is that of a segmented sphere with three evenly balanced sections which create the 'triparte' shape that would make an exceptional feature as an Ikebana arrangement. The sumptuously applied and lightly textured glaze is called the Sasso Bianco or, 'White Stone' that creates depth with shadows from the curves and angles. The combination of the form, glaze and condition makes this piece a rare find.
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.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. The most notable wear is the movement marks on the underside of the base which are commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 5.5" / 14 cm x c. 5.9" / 15 cm width (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 2.9" / 7.3 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 565 g
A BIT OF 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 of geometricism and modern architecture. Dramatic curves, rounded edges and corners, pierced forms and an organic feel are recurring features.