Geisha Ceramic Figure by Domenico Poloniato, Italy, 1960s

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“Geisha,” glazed ceramic or majolica, Domenico Poloniato, 1960s – Italy

Spectacular porcelain sculpture of a geisha, made by Italian ceramist … Read more “Geisha,” glazed ceramic or majolica, Domenico Poloniato, 1960s – Italy

Spectacular porcelain sculpture of a geisha, made by Italian ceramist Domenico Poloniato in the 1960s. Japanese geisha were women who entertained at banquets and gatherings with music, dance, and conversation. She is depicted seated, knees resting to one side, dressed in a white kimono decorated with floral motifs in shades of pink, blue, and orange, with a pink trim and a large yellow bow tied in the back that hugs her waist.

She holds a delicate bouquet of flowers in her hands, which also spread out on the ground, as if she were picking them right then and there. Her face is serene, pale, with reddish-orange lipstick and thin, diagonally positioned eyebrows, typical geisha traits. Her elegant posture captures the aura of femininity and sensitivity. Her hair is tied back in a bun, divided into three sections by pink elastic bands, which stand out against her dark hair. The back of the base is signed, "D. Poloniato." Inside, a stamp reads, "Spiller Italy."

Majolica is a type of tin-glazed ceramic decorated with colors on a white background. It is distinguished by its layer of opaque tin oxide-based glaze, which gives it its characteristic white, glossy surface. Designs are painted onto the glaze before firing. The technique was developed in Spain and spread to Italy during the Renaissance, where it achieved great popularity.

Domenico Poloniato (1926-2013)

Poloniato was known for his passion for large-scale sculptures and intricately detailed porcelain. He was deeply drawn to oriental exoticism, a fascination reflected in his celebrated collection of Japanese warriors and glazed female figures, crafted in shades of orange, pink, and blue, which appear both as ornamental sculptures and in the form of ceramic lamps. Currently, his son Diego is responsible for maintaining the Homo Faber workshop.

Material: Porcelain
Author: Domenico Poloniato
Period: 1960s
Country of Origin: Italy
Good condition according to age and use
Dimensions: 62 x 40 x 40 cm. This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
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