Italian Ceramic Vase with Bucolic Scene, 1920s

Details

Description

An ornate ceramic vase featuring a bucolic landscape scene with figures. The main body of the vase is a dark, … Read more An ornate ceramic vase featuring a bucolic landscape scene with figures. The main body of the vase is a dark, rich blue, accented with a band of off-white or cream-colored textured relief, likely neoclassical in style. The central motif is a detailed painted scene depicting individuals in classical or pastoral attire, one tending to sheep, set against a backdrop of trees and a distant landscape. The vase has a flared mouth and a pedestal base, typical of decorative urn or amphora forms. The signature visible in one image is in a cursive hand,

cultural echoes

where this object echoes
neoclassical revival18th-20th century

the form of the vase and the bucolic painted scene reflect a continued appreciation for classical greek and roman aesthetics, which saw numerous revivals in european decorative arts.
capodimonte porcelain18th century to present

known for its exquisite decorative porcelain, capodimonte often featured intricate painted scenes and sculpted details, influencing broader italian ceramic production.

ritual & ceremonial use
•the vase would have functioned as a prominent decorative item in a parlor or drawing-room, intended to display cut flowers or simply as an objet d'art.
•gift-giving, particularly for significant occasions, often included high-quality decorative ceramics like this vase, symbolizing wealth and refined taste.

meaning through time

18th-19th century
bucolic scenes on decorative objects evoked an idealized, peaceful rural life, often associated with a longing for simplicity away from industrialization.

early 20th century
vases of this style continued to be popular, embodying traditional craftsmanship and artistic taste amidst emerging modernist movements.

historical story
decorative ceramic vases inspired by classical forms and painted with pastoral or mythological scenes were popular across europe for centuries, often adorning affluent homes. Italian ceramics, in particular, have a rich history tracing back to majolica ware, evolving through renaissance and baroque periods, and continuing to produce highly decorative pieces in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often emulating earlier styles.

context analysis
what aligned

the aesthetic style and level of wear observed in the images align with the user's provided time period of '1900' and 'minor wear'.
the cursive signature is consistent with a personal artist's mark, commonly found on decorative ceramics from italy.

the widest part of the vase measures 43 cm and the top edge (opening) has a diameter of 11 cm. See less