Mid-Century Italian Vase by Fratelli Fanciullacci

A large, wheel-thrown mid-century vase from the Italian manufactory Fratelli Fanciullacci. The object is made of chamotte clay, colored green with metal oxides, and glazed with a green glaze. The potter’s finger marks are visible inside the vase; on the outside, the vase is glazed within the figurative decoration, while the remaining part of the vase, showing tool marks, is left unfinished. The figurative scene is made using the sgraffito technique, which involves the mechanical removal of layers of material, making the decoration resistant to abrasion as it is an integral part of the vessel’s structure. It also creates a three-dimensional effect that changes depending on the lighting. Due to its large size (40 cm in height), it must have been made by an experienced craftsman. The vase is signed on the bottom 6/7/40 Italy.

The Fratelli Fanciullacci manufactory was one of the most valued Italian ceramic factories, strongly associated with the tradition of the Montelupo Fiorentino region near Florence. The most recognizable modernist designs from the 1950s and 60s today are figurative scenes and vivid, saturated colors typical of the Italian Mid-Century Modern trend.

Object preserved in very good condition.

We invite you to our YouTube channel to see several short videos about the technique used to make this vase.