This striking work of mid-century Modern Italian ceramic is by Bertoncello Ceramiche D'Arte (estd. c. 1956 - c. 1999). The sculpted and abstract footed cachepot form is sleek and undulating, and further accented with twist-ring decorative handles.
Further elevating this piece is the high-gloss, sumptuous base glaze in seamlessly blended tones of Sunshine yellow and Demerara brown. This base glaze is overlaid with tactile trails in Talc white, Sienna brown and Powdered Artichoke. 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.
The stylised form, eye-catching glaze palette and excellent condition of this piece makes it a rare find that can be displayed as a standalone piece of functionally as a cachepot.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. Most notable wear are the movement marks on the underside of the base that are commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The base bears model number '849v'.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 7.2" / 18.3 cm x c. 4.8" / 12.3 cm width (across widest point). Depth: c. 5.5" / c. 14 cm. Base measurements: c. 3.7" / c. 9.4 cm x c. 3.7" / c. 9.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.5 kg / 540 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.