Italian Brutalist Terracotta + Iron Console by Mario Giani (Clizia), 1970s

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A rare 1970s Italian Brutalist console by Mario Giani (Clizia). The sinuous, wave-formed base is wrought in patinated iron, its … Read more A rare 1970s Italian Brutalist console by Mario Giani (Clizia). The sinuous, wave-formed base is wrought in patinated iron, its negative space filled with a rhythmic arrangement of terracotta tiles. Each tile is hand-pressed with primitive motifs—fish, eyes, glyphs, grids—giving the piece the presence of a modern totem. A rectangular glass top floats above the sculptural frame, allowing the tiles to read as suspended reliefs. At once architectural and artisanal, it captures the essence of Italian Brutalism. Mario Giani, known as Clizia, was born in Turin in 1923 and became a sculptor and painter of renown. Around age thirty, he turned to ceramics and terracotta sculpture, signing his works as "Clizia the potter." In the 1950s, he debuted terracotta and majolica pieces inspired by archaic forms, using his distinctive "reticular" style. In 1960, he founded the International Artists Colony in Bussana Vecchia, a then-abandoned village, attracting artists from across Italy. As director of the Sanremo Ceramics School, he later established another ceramics program in Castigliole d’Asti, focused on teaching the disabled. Giani earned numerous accolades, including awards at the Florence International Exhibition (1965), Castellamonte Ceramics Exhibition (1981), and the Asti International Exhibition (1985). Active in ceramics and jewelry upon his return to Turin in 1967, he continued creating until his passing in 2000 in Bussolino di Gassino. Condition: Great vintage condition with age-appropriate patina to the wrought iron frame, including surface darkening and variation consistent with time and material. Terracotta tiles show minor irregularities inherent to the hand-pressed process. New glass top has been sourced by our team of restorationists, as photographed. See less