20th Century Majolica Ceramic Sculpture of Woman with Vase from Tanagra Rome, Italy

Details

Description

Majolica ceramic sculpture, entirely handcrafted without a mold, depicting an African woman with a vase, signed inside with a signature … Read more Majolica ceramic sculpture, entirely handcrafted without a mold, depicting an African woman with a vase, signed inside with a signature engraved into the ceramic paste with a metal nib "Tanagra." The sculpture was created in Rome and dates back to between 1935 and 1960.

Information on the artist and/or manufacturer:
The Tanagra factory was founded in the early 1940s by Adolfo Merlone in Rome. The company, in which the owner's wife, Maria Pagella, also collaborates, produces one-of-a-kind artistic ceramics in a primitivist style, created by Adolfo Merlone himself, as well as modern-style majolica, earthenware, and terracotta for furniture and architecture. Adolfo Merlone, to whom we can attribute the authorship of this sculpture, was born in Turin in 1910 and participated in numerous ceramic exhibitions and competitions in Faenza, Albisola, Gubbio, Vicenza, and Florence, always receiving important recognition. In 1958, he participated in the famous "Picasso-Le Corbusier-Merlone" exhibition organized by the Milanese art gallery Totti in Hagen, Germany. Adolfo Merlone died in Genoa in 1982.

Final considerations on the object:
Unfortunately, not many works of this extremely rare workmanship are available, but the artistic quality of the sculpture, the majolica enamels used, the beautiful, rich glazing, and the originality of the woman's pose are evident. I especially draw your attention to the hands holding the vase, with the fingers spread, and the beautiful arching of the female figure. This sculpture is irresistibly charming and beautiful, a truly rare piece. It should also be remembered that this is a niche Roman work, extremely rare and highly collectible, considering that the Tanagra factory boasts a limited production of extremely high-quality examples. It is a true work of art, a unique piece, entirely crafted and handcrafted without a mold. This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less