Mid-Century Italian Ceramic Jug by Guido Gambone (circa 1950s)

Mid-century Italian decorative blue ceramic jug by Guido Gambone (circa 1950s). The vibrant and bright colours of this vase are typical of the modern movement of the 20th century, but here the effect is matt, softened by the glaze. The stylised subjects - a donkey (his hallmark), a cactus and a woman carrying a platter overhead - are in a stunning cobalt blue against the cream background. The jug is diminutive, of classic form with a large, arching handle. Overall, the piece is charming, alluring and very collectible. A museum piece it could be. In good vintage condition commensurate with age. Please enjoy viewing the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video of the piece may be provided. Signed on the underside: 'Gambone Italy' and donkey motif. (Ref: 'Alla Moda - Italian Ceramics of the 1950s - 70s by Mark Hill). 

About the Artist: Guido Gambone (1909–1969) is one of the most prominent Italian ceramicists of the 20^th century. Gambone defined a unique style in which he fused traditional ceramic methods with amorphous forms that echoed equally the art of the past and of his modern day. His dynamic objects, in which he often experimented with glazes and patterns, garnered great popularity and today are treasured holdings in private and public collections such as those at the Brooklyn Museum in New York.

Born in Montella in the southern Italian region of Campania, Gambone received his earliest training in the art of ceramics at the Manifattura Artistica Ceramica Salernitana in nearby Vietri sul Mare. He continued his studies at the Industria Ceramica Salernitana (I.C.S.) and eventually took over as director of the facility in 1935. The following year, he moved northward to Florence with fellow ceramicists Vincenzo Procida and Francesco Solimene to assist in the production of the Cantagalli ceramics company, which derived its name from founder Ulisse Cantagalli (1839–1901) and specialised in reviving the rich colours and patterns of the Maiolica tradition.

1950 marked the showcase of one of Gambone’s collaborative works at a group exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum in New York, and the following year Gambone enjoyed his first solo showing at the Galleria Il Milione in Milan. By the end of the decade, Gambone had achieved international acclaim for his pieces but died two years later at the age of 60.

Dimensions:

H 16 cm (6.3")

W 13 cm (5.1")

D 11 cm (4.3")