Guido Gambone Mid-Century Polychrome Ceramic Vase, Italy C.1955

A striking and unusually substantial mid-century ceramic vase by Guido Gambone (1909–1969), dating from his Florence period in the 1950s.

The broad-shouldered form is decorated with irregular horizontal bands of saturated red, turquoise, cobalt blue, pale green, ochre, brown and near-black. The colours vary subtly in depth and texture as they travel around the body, revealing the hand-decorated character of the piece and creating a particularly rich, rhythmic surface.

At approximately 23cm high and 19cm at its widest point, the vase has considerable sculptural presence. Its vivid palette and strong architectural form make it an impressive standalone object, while the variation in colour and glaze rewards viewing from every angle.

The underside is signed “Gambone Italy” and bears the distinctive donkey workshop mark associated with Guido Gambone’s production. It also retains an old ornamental paper ticket inscribed “450”, probably a historic retailer, gallery or dealer annotation. Its date and currency are unknown and the label has been left undisturbed as part of the vase’s history.

About Guido Gambone

Guido Gambone was a significant figure in post-war Italian ceramics. After working in the important ceramic centre of Vietri sul Mare, he established a workshop in Florence and developed a distinctive vocabulary combining traditional ceramic techniques with modernist form, expressive decoration and experimental glazes.

His ceramics achieved international recognition during the post-war period and remain particularly associated with the vitality and experimentation of 1950s Italian design.

Dimensions: H 23 × W 19cm approximately.

Details: Guido Gambone; Italy; c.1955; glazed ceramic; signed “Gambone Italy” with donkey workshop mark.

Condition: Very good vintage condition. There is a tiny nick to the underside of the foot, not visible when displayed. Please see photographs.