Let's jump in this article on Bertoncello - I love their pieces and challenge anyone to find a space one of his pieces won't fit. They are so different to other ceramics you can find and they might just provide the contrast you need in your room.
Roberto Rigon and Bertoncello's partnership produced some of the innovative and creative ceramics coming out to Italy in the mid century era.
Taking inspiration from nature, their most successful pieces seamlessly integrate into any home and work with many styles.
Roberto Rigon was an Italian designer and ceramist known for his innovative work in the mid-20th century, particularly his contributions to the Bertoncello Ceramiche d'Arte. Born in the Veneto region, Rigon was a prominent figure in Italian ceramics during the 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by a flourishing of modernist and avant-garde design in Italy. His designs are celebrated for their distinctive, sculptural qualities and their use of bold, organic forms that often push the boundaries of traditional ceramic art.
Rigon’s collaboration with Bertoncello Ceramiche d'Arte, a company based in Schiavon, Italy, was instrumental in defining the brand's aesthetic and international reputation. His work for Bertoncello is characterized by its use of abstract, geometric shapes and earthy, textured glazes that reflect a modernist sensibility while remaining grounded in natural forms.
Pieces such as vases, planters, and decorative objects often featured dynamic, almost architectural shapes with flowing lines and cut-out details, which were both functional and highly artistic. These designs exemplified the company’s commitment to combining innovative design with artisanal craftsmanship, and they quickly became popular among collectors and enthusiasts of mid-century modern ceramics.
Rigon's legacy lies in his ability to create ceramics that were not just utilitarian objects but also expressive pieces of art. His work for Bertoncello helped establish the brand as a significant player in the international ceramics market and left a lasting impact on the field of Italian design.
Today, Roberto Rigon's creations are highly valued by collectors for their unique blend of modernist aesthetics and tactile appeal, representing a crucial chapter in the history of Italian ceramic art. It is possible to find pieces in antique fairs across Italy. Crucially, Bertoncello did not write the company name on their pieces, rather choosing to add the model number. This means that often pieces are not identified by the seller as Bertoncello pieces.
We have sourced some beautiful Bertoncello pieces for you to purchase.
------
I write about modern English interiors and Italian antiques, I’m an Anglo-Italian-Aussie living in Melbourne so I feel I can. All views are my own, happy to discuss - louise@buson.com.au