Vintage Italian Ceramic Elephant Sculpture by Alessio Tasca (circa 1970s)

Vintage Italian ceramic elephant sculpture by Alessio Tasca (circa 1970s). This endearing, minimalist ceramic elephant is of the Italian school style likely inspired by the works of his compatriot, Bruno Gambone (1936-2021). Combining curves, play- fulness and serious sculpture, the figure oozes character and charm. The glaze is smooth and sensuous and the look, mid-century modern. In fair overall condition with the presence of a minor hairline crack (not affecting the structure of the piece). Maker's mark visible at the inside of the U in the 'legs'. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying the listing for a detailed look. Upon request a video will be provided.

About the Artist: Alessio Tasca (1929-2020) was born in Nove, Vicenza, Italy. Tasca was a world renowned prize-winning ceramicist whose creations appear in institutions such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome. His creations have been honoured in la Biennale in Venice and appeared in the Salone di Milano. Tasca studied at the Art Institutes of Nove, Venice and Florence. He comes from a family of potters and started to work with clay early, first with his brothers, then in his own studio which, during the 1960s and 1970s, became an important meeting place for artists. That was the time when Gio Ponti was often visiting and exploring new ideas in that area and when the international recognition of the design magazine 'Domus' was at its peak. Gifted, rebellious and inventive, Tasca discovered an extruder in the 1960s. This industrial machine became his work companion for his prolific production adding an element of industrial design to his creative process. Later he came to value the idea of producing pieces in small series.

Dimensions: 

H 14.5 cm / 5.7"

W 21.5 cm / 8.5"

D 11 cm / 4.3"