Vintage Piero Fornasetti Special Commission Large Iznik Plaque, 1950's.

Details

Description

Ottoman Illusion: Fornasetti's Istanbul Hilton Panel (1955)

This monumental Piero Fornasetti colored panel is a rare piece of institutional history, … Read more Ottoman Illusion: Fornasetti's Istanbul Hilton Panel (1955)

This monumental Piero Fornasetti colored panel is a rare piece of institutional history, created in 1955 as a special commission for the Hilton Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey. The large plaque features an elaborate design inspired by the rich artistic tradition of Ottoman ceramics.

The artwork is a masterful piece of trompe-l'œil, depicting an arrangement of highly decorated Iznik pottery vessels and ceramic tiles. These objects are rendered with meticulous detail and vibrant color, utilizing the classic Iznik palette of cobalt blue, turquoise, and the signature raised tomato-red. The composition is layered, with the central vessels sitting against a patterned blue tile background, and a border of geometric tiles running across the bottom.

The panel was produced as a hand-painted lithograph, transfer-printed onto Masonite, showcasing the industrial and graphic methods Fornasetti utilized for large-scale architectural projects. This commission illustrates the breadth of Fornasetti's work, moving beyond domestic items to create site-specific interiors that blend Italian graphic art with international decorative history.

Specifications and Marks
Design: Iznik Pottery Vessels and Ceramic Tiles

Date: 1955 (Special Commission)

Dimensions: 47 inches high x 23 1/2 inches wide

Medium: Hand-painted lithograph, transfer-printed onto Masonite

Marking: Paper Fornasetti Label on the reverse

Condition Note: Good, with a small tear to the lower edge of the plaque.

Historical Context: Fornasetti and Architectural Commissions

Piero Fornasetti frequently collaborated with architects and designers on large-scale interior projects, though his work for the Istanbul Hilton is a notable example of his engagement with non-Western historical aesthetics. By referencing Iznik pottery (Ottoman ceramics produced primarily in the 16th and 17th centuries), Fornasetti paid homage to the city's artistic heritage while applying his unique graphic interpretation. The production method allowed for the creation of durable, decorative panels suitable for a major international hotel, marking a significant moment in the cross-cultural application of his modern Italian design sensibilities.

References
Fornasetti, Barnaba (ed.). Fornasetti: The Complete Universe, Page 456, #121. (Publishes this specific panel).

Christie's Los Angeles. Important Design: The Life of Piero Fornasetti, May 16, 1998, lot 138. (Documents the work in a major auction of the artist's estate).

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