Vintage Majolica Terracotta Shell Centerpiece, 1960s

Details

Description

Up for sale is a decorative work of art of exceptional rarity and visual impact, a testament to the finest … Read more Up for sale is a decorative work of art of exceptional rarity and visual impact, a testament to the finest Italian artisanal experimentation of the 1960s.

This is not a simple centerpiece, but a truly functional sculpture (usable as a cake stand, a fruit bowl, or a striking entryway emptier) that combines diverse materials with technical mastery.

Subject, Style, and Craftsmanship: This work is distinguished by its complex mixed-media workmanship, making it very difficult to find on the market.

1. Structure: The main body and base are crafted from hand-molded terracotta, partially left natural or with a rustic finish that enhances its warm, earthy texture.

2. Appliqués: Numerous shells and marine elements crafted from glazed majolica ceramic are applied to this base. These elements are true sculptural trompe-l'oeils: three-dimensional, glossy, and painted with vibrant polychrome enamels (likely in shades of sea, coral, and mother-of-pearl) that create a spectacular and exquisite contrast with the rough terracotta underneath.

The style is a Baroque-marine triumph revisited with a Pop/Artisan twist, typical of the 1960s, evoking the exclusive atmospheres of the villas on the French Riviera, Capri, or the Ligurian Riviera of that golden age. The remarkable height (35 cm) lends it an architectural elegance that makes it the absolute protagonist of the space.

Technical Details and Condition:

· Type: Large Sculptural Centerpiece / Cake Stand

· Style: Marine / Experimental Artistic Craftsmanship

· Materials: Terracotta (structure), Glazed majolica (decorative applications)

· Period: Vintage 1960s

· Dimensions: Length 37 cm x Width 16.5 cm x Height 35 cm

· Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The intricate majolica applications are intact (always check the high-resolution photos for any minor chipping on the tips of the shells, which are normal on such intricate pieces but do not diminish their historical value).

Notes for Collectors: Pieces of this type, which combine double firing of terracotta and glaze, are extremely rare because they required great technical skill to avoid breakage in the kiln. An investment object for lovers of organic design and luxury 20th-century craftsmanship.

Please note that any white areas in the photo shoot are due to reflections from artificial lighting, used to better illuminate the item, which may cause slight color variations in the photograph.

The item is original and is carefully photographed, capturing every detail, highlighting its quality, strengths, and any flaws.

It is sold "as is," and the and photographs are accurate. See less