Fantoni, Signed

A small rectangular studio vase by Marcello Fantoni of Florence. The dark glazed body is worked all over in sgraffito — fine lines incised through the glaze in overlapping cross-hatched bands, a graphic, hand-cut surface characteristic of Fantoni's mid-century work. The interior is glazed in a contrasting off-white. Signed Fantoni to the underside.

Fantoni trained in Florence and opened his studio in 1936; his ceramics are held in collections including MoMA and the V&A. A compact, sculptural piece that reads as a small work of art on a shelf, mantel or desk.

Origin: Italy 
Sourced in: Turin
Era: c.1950s–1960s
Designer/Maker: Marcello Fantoni
Materials: Glazed ceramic, sgraffito decoration
Dimensions: 14 × 9 × 9cm (H × W × D)
Attribution: Signed Fantoni to the base (photographed)
Condition: Good vintage condition with wear consistent with age, including light wear to the base glaze. Refer to photographs.