Vase and Ashtray Set– Raymor by Alvino Bagni – Italy – circa 1962
Over the coming month I will be posting ideas for unique, vintage Holiday gifts that are sure to make the recipient dance for joy.
Gifting vintage items is a great way to show that someone special that they are indeed special. The fact that you took the time to explore for just the right gift instead of grabbing an item off the shelf at the local big-box store will show the care you really have for the person receiving the gift.
We start our virtual shopping tour with some of the classic pottery coming out of the mid-2oth Century from Italy. World renowned for the quality of the pottery, the artful execution by the craftsmen and the modernist edge of the designers, Italian pottery is highly sought after by collectors and decorators.
The vase and ashtray set above was designed by Alvino Bagni for Raymor and dates to the early 1960’s. Featuring wonderful, organic shape and tremendous color these pieces make a bold statement as an accent in any room. The vase stands 13 inches tall and the ashtray is 9-1/2 inches in diameter.
Quail Coin Bank– Marcello Fantoni (attributed) – Italy – circa 1955
Caveman & Woman Vase– Marcello Fantoni – Italy – 1957
A true pottery artist, Marcello Fantoni is one of the best known Italian potters. His works are held in private collections and museums in the Untied States and Europe. The two pieces above, the Quail Bank and Caveman and Woman Vase are exceptional examples of Fantoni’s modernist style. In 1970 he founded the International School of Ceramic Arts at his studio in Florence.
Functionality as well as artistic design was a trademark of mid-century Italian pottery. The ashtray below was made by Bitossi for Raymor Ceramics at the end of the 1950’s. Once again, the strength of the design and glaze comes though and elevates this utilitarian piece to the level of art. This pottery will make a great ornament in any setting and is as useful as a fruit bowl and it is for an ashtray.
Ashtray– Raymor by Bitossi – Italy – circa 1959
Prices for the pieces shown here are in the moderate-to-high range ($100 – $350) although some pieces of Italian pottery can be found for less or much more – some works going into the thousands of dollars.
Next we will look at gifts made little closer to home – vintage Blenko Glass by designer Wayne Husted.
