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

Decorative Italian ceramic bowl by Guido Gambone (circa 1950s). Decorated on the inside with stylised profile and laurel wreath motif reminiscent of a decorated Roman Legion soldier. The only thing missing is 'SPQR', the symbolic abbreviated phrase referring to the government of the ancient Roman Republic. The piece may have been designed as an ashtray in its day but who would flick cigarette ashes in such a work of art? Pas moi! While the inside decoration references Ancient Rome, the outer surface is purely modern in design and colour. The upper lemon yellow portion is complemented by a lower band of concentric circular stripes on its lower body. The overall impression is of a modern work of art that would certainly feel at home as a museum piece. Gambone pushed ceramic as a medium for art in its own right (ref: 'Alla Moda - Italian Ceramics of the 1950s - 70s' by Mark Hill), with this piece being no exception. The bowl is utterly charming - pure, collectible Guido Gambone. Signed on underside: 'Gambone Italy' with trademark donkey maker's mark. Please see the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video of the piece will be provided. This gallery has several ceramic pieces by Guido Gambone on this platform which may be bought as a set. 

About the Artist: Guido Gambone (1909–1969) is one of the most prominent Italian ceramicists of the 20^th century. Guido 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 museums collections such as the one 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. Gambone died at the age of 60.

Dimensions:

H 5 cm (2")

W 21 cm (8.3")

D 21 cm (8.3")