When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Rare and unusually architecturalvintage Italian majolica vase made by SACA (Società Accomandita CeramicheArtistiche) of Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, probably dating to the late 1930s–1940s.
This exceptional piece has a strikingfour-sided geometric form rather than the more commonly encountered roundedvase shape. Each side is individually decorated with colorful raised flowers,curling foliage and scrolling motifs against finely incised sgraffitobackgrounds.
The decoration is especially elaborate,combining molded relief, bright hand-painted colors, incised sgraffito work andbold geometric borders. Colors include golden yellow/orange, apple and emeraldgreen, cobalt and powder blue, burgundy red, yellow, cream and brown. Thestepped square base is finished with especially appealing Art Deco-styletriangular bands.
The underside is hand marked:
880
SACA
ITALY
SACA of Sesto Fiorentino was founded in 1923by former Richard-Ginori workers and produced high-quality artistic ceramicsuntil around 1950. More importantly, ceramic-history sources specificallydocument Zulimo Aretini (1884–1965) as having worked for SACA, as well asRichard-Ginori and other Sesto Fiorentino manufacturers. Aretini wasparticularly known for modern interpretations of traditional Italiangraffito/sgraffito and polychrome ceramic decoration.
The exuberant relief decoration, sgraffito technique and geometric borderwork on this vase strongly suggest of Aretini's work. Because the piece bearsthe SACA factory mark rather than Aretini's personal signature, I am offeringit as SACA, in the manner of Zulimo Aretini rather than as a signed Aretiniwork.
An unusual and highly decorative example ofpre or mid war Italian art pottery, with a wonderful combination of RenaissanceRevival Italian ceramic tradition and early Modernist/Art Deco design.
Measurements:
12 1/2" high
Approximately 5 3/8" across the widest part of the square body
Condition:
Displays beautifully but has significant age-related condition issues, allreflected in the photographs. There is scattered glaze loss and flaking,particularly along raised edges and moldings, as well as general surface wear.There are cracks at and around the upper neck/mouth, visible from both theexterior and interior. The underside has been drilled, apparently from anearlier conversion for use as a lamp.
Despite the condition, the vase remainsstructurally impressive and exceptionally decorative. Please enlarge and reviewthe detailed photographs, which form an important part of the conditiondescription.
Keyword tags: SACA, SestoFiorentino, Zulimo Aretini, Aretini, Italian pottery, Italian ceramics,majolica, maiolica, sgraffito, graffito, art pottery, Richard Ginori, Ginori,Florence, Firenze, Tuscany, Tuscan pottery, 1930s, 1940s, Art Deco, Modernist,polychrome, hand painted, relief pottery, floral vase, geometric, faience,Sesto pottery, collectible pottery, Italian vase, vintage Italy
