Mid-Century Italian Ceramic Vase by Guido Gambone (circa 1950s)
SKU 1191
Mid-century decorative ceramic single-flower vase by Guido Gambone (circa 1950s). Another work of art by the formidable Guido Gambone, this diminutive piece's form is reminiscent of ancient vessels. The naive abstract sketches stand out over an off-white background while the other half of the vase is yellow with crackled small veins which add subtle visual interest. The interior of the mouth is misty brown at the top with three concentric circles below. While the form is ancient, the decoration is quintessentially Modern (ref. 'Alla Moda' by Mark Hill). A museum piece it could be - striking beauty. It is in good vintage condition commensurate with age. Please enjoy the accompanying photos to the listing. Upon request a video may be provided. Signed on the underside: 'Gambone Italy' and trademark donkey motif.
About the Artist: Guido Gambone (1909–1969) is one of the most prominent Italian ceramicists of the 20th 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 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 16.5 cm / 6.5"
Dia 11 cm / 4.3"