Mid-20th Century Torino Ceramic Semi-Nude Woman Sculpture 'Portatrice Africana' by C. I. A. Manna

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Mid-20th century Torino ceramic semi-nude woman sculpture 'Portatrice Africana' by C.I.A. Manna

By: C.I.A. Manna
Material: ceramic, paint
Technique: gilt, … Read more Mid-20th century Torino ceramic semi-nude woman sculpture 'Portatrice Africana' by C.I.A. Manna

By: C.I.A. Manna
Material: ceramic, paint
Technique: gilt, glazed, hand-crafted, molded, painted, pressed, unglazed
Dimensions: 6 in x 22 in
Date: mid-20th century
Style: Mid-Century Modern, Space Age
Place of origin: Italy

This mid-20th century Italian ceramic sculpture titled 'Portatrice Africana' was handcrafted by C.I.A. Manna in Torino, Italy. Molded from ceramic clay and meticulously hand-painted, it depicts a semi-nude african woman carrying a large clay vessel atop her head. Her torso is bare apart from a cloth wrapped around her hair and gilded bracelets at her wrists. She wears a long, brightly colored skirt with geometric and floral motifs in warm hues of yellow and orange divided by thick black lines. The sculpture stands on a small white ceramic base marked with the manufacturer's stamp, the place of origin, and the piece's name.

The skilled molding and painting techniques reflect the strong tradition of ceramic production in Torino, which became an important center for quality ceramic design and manufacturing in Italy during the 20th century. See less