Piero Fornasetti Capricorn Zodiac Porcelain Plate, the Zodiac Pharmacopoeia

Details

Description

Cosmic Cabinet of Curiosities: Fornasetti "Zodiac Pharmacopoeia" Capricorn Plate
Circa 1960s

Discover a witty fusion of ancient astronomy, classic apothecaries, … Read more Cosmic Cabinet of Curiosities: Fornasetti "Zodiac Pharmacopoeia" Capricorn Plate
Circa 1960s

Discover a witty fusion of ancient astronomy, classic apothecaries, and mid-century Italian design with this unique porcelain plate by the celebrated Piero Fornasetti (1913–1988). This piece is Number 9 in the highly collectible limited-edition series, "Gli Zodiaci Farmacopei" (The Zodiac Pharmacopoeia), representing the earth sign Capricorn (CAPRICORNVS).

Design and Detail:
The design masterfully combines astrological and medical themes through Fornasetti's signature trompe-l'œil style:

The Zodiac: The plate centers on a dramatic illustration of the Sea-Goat, the mythical creature representing Capricorn, beautifully emblazoned with a constellation of golden stars. It is framed at the top by the Italian dates of the sign: 21 DICEMBRE – 19 GENNAIO.

The Pharmacopoeia: This illustration is cleverly set within the pages of an open, ancient reference book. The text humorously lists astrological attributes as if they were medical diagnoses, including colore: nero (color: black), pietra: zaffiro (stone: sapphire), qualità: perseveranza (quality: perseverance), and difetto: misantropia (fault: misanthropy).

Apothecary Setting: Surrounding the book are meticulously detailed apothecary jars and vessels rendered in stark black, brown, and metallic gold. This includes a glass bottle labeled ROSARUM to the left and a round vessel marked Rofe bianch to the right, completing the illusion of a magical medical guide.

Measurements:
Diameter: 9 1/2 inches (24.1 cm)
Height: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Reverse Marks: On the reverse of the the plate there reads: "Gli Zodiaci Farmacopei, No 9 / Especially made for Crinos by Fornasetti," alongside the famous Fornasetti hand and brush mark, and "MILANO / Made in Italy".

Historical Context: A Corporate Commission with Classic Charm

This plate is a fascinating piece of Italian design and corporate history. It is particularly unique because it was a special commission made exclusively for Crinos, a prominent Italian pharmaceutical company.

During the 1960s economic boom, it was common for leading companies to commission high-end artists and designers like Fornasetti to create limited-edition gifts for their elite clients and partners. Fornasetti brilliantly leveraged the concept of a "pharmacopoeia"—an official book listing medicinal drugs—and replaced the clinical drug descriptions with the cures and characteristics of the Zodiac. This imbued the corporate gift with his trademark surrealism, classical scholarship, and highly graphic style.

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