1950s Rare Italian Creamware Oval Ceramic Rope Basket

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Description

This large-scale, oval-shaped braided rope centerpiece bowl or basket is a rare piece of Italian ceramic creamware from the Mid-20th … Read more This large-scale, oval-shaped braided rope centerpiece bowl or basket is a rare piece of Italian ceramic creamware from the Mid-20th Century. The piece showcases the remarkable skill of Italian ceramicists who specialized in the centuries-old tradition of openwork and reticulated pottery.

The basket is formed from individually modeled strands of clay, twisted to mimic ropes or cords and interwoven in a lattice pattern. The top perimeter is finished with applied decorative roundels. The interior includes an attached solid ceramic tray with a lip, providing stability, and a watertight base for fresh floral arrangements (add a liner).

The soft white glaze highlights both the texture of the rope twists, as well as the wonderful aged patina the piece has acquired over the decades.

A highly decorative sculptural vessel that also functions well for fresh floral arrangements, corralling potted plants, produce storage, or as a general catchall bowl.

The maker's mark on the underside has worn off over the years. Remaining are faint red marks on the glaze which would have noted "Made in Italy" and numbered R 423, dating this vessel to the 1950s–1970s. At the time, Italian makers Bassano or Deruta were producing similar styles of creamware. See less