Ceramic Lion Sculpture by Bruno Gambone (circa Late 1960s)

Ceramic lion / cat sculpture by ceramicist Bruno Gambone (circa late 1960s). This very rare version of the reposing lion sculpture is truly a work of art. It is whimsical in its vivid colouring which is a trademark of the works of Bruno's father, Guido. Most likely from the period shortly after Bruno assumed control of his father's enterprise in the late 1960s but before he put his minimalist stamp on the production studio's ceramic works. This is indeed a very rare 'transition' piece. The vivid orange and yellow markings on the work would brighten up any room or display shelf and make for an engrossing conversation piece. The paws are painted with more muted red and black. The cat's facial features render the piece simple and childlike. Extremely desirable and collectible, this earthenware piece will not only refine the look of your home or office, but put a smile on your face for years to come as well. In good vintage condition. Signed: 'Gambone Italy'.

About the Artist: The Gambone ceramics have had two very distinct phases of artistic expression in their history. That of Guido Gambone, arguably Italy's most prominent contemporary ceramicist of the 1950s and '60s, and that of his son, Bruno Gambone, who is still at work. The father's work was more exuberant and colourful. Bruno, who returned to Florence in 1969 to keep the ceramic studio running after his father died, became intent on expressing his own very different artistic vision. Towards the latter part of the Seventies, Bruno created a series of ceramics dedicated to imaginary animals. For the most part, however, his work was influenced by '60s and '70s minimalist art. The forms are more rectilinear, the decoration very simple and the tones muted. During a stint in New York, Bruno spent time with the likes of Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol, and gained much experience in the fields of painting, sculpture, cinema and theatre. His ceramic pieces have become internationally collectible works of art. 

Dimensions:

H 14 cm (5.6")

W 17 cm (6.7")

D 23 cm (9.1")