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Early 20th Century Hand-painted Faenza Ceramic Shelf
€250Bid from €225
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ProfessionalProduct description
Hand-painted Faenza ceramic wall shelf, made in the early 20th Century. Ø 19 cm Ø 14 cm h 21 cm.
Antique ceramic shelves are fascinating objects that combine functionality with the aesthetics of the past. They represent a piece of furniture and craftsmanship history and can add a touch of elegance and authenticity to any environment. They were often made of maiolica or porcelain, materials that feature detailed decorations and vibrant colors. Artisanal techniques such as hand-painting, carving, and glazing lend uniqueness to each piece. From Baroque to Art Nouveau, encompassing Neoclassical styles, antique shelves reflect the artistic trends of different eras. Floral motifs, landscapes, mythological figures, and daily life scenes are common in the decorations.
Important production centers include Italy (Castelli, Faenza, Naples), France (Limoges), Germany (Meissen), and Spain (Valencia).
Faenza ceramic is one of the most important and ancient Italian ceramic traditions, originating from the city of Faenza in Emilia-Romagna. Its fame is such that the term "faience" in French and "faience" in English have become synonyms for maiolica, testifying to its international influence.
The first ceramic kilns in Faenza date back to the 1st century BC, but it was during the Renaissance that the city reached the pinnacle of its ceramic production, becoming a center of excellence. Faenza ceramic is predominantly maiolica, a tin-glazed earthenware, meaning it is coated with an opaque tin oxide-based glaze that provides a bright white background, ideal for pictorial decoration.
Even today, Faenza ceramic is produced using artisanal techniques passed down through centuries. The process includes clay shaping, the first firing to obtain the "biscotto" (biscuit ware), glazing, preparing the design with 'spolvero' (a perforated cardboard stencil), brush decoration with metal oxide-based colors, and a final firing with 'cristallina' (a clear overglaze) to impart brilliance.
Over the centuries, several distinctive decorative styles have developed:
* "Pavona" or "Peacock Feather" Style, a 15th-century motif inspired by the eye of the peacock feather.
* "Persian Palmette" Style, stylized floral decorations with Oriental influence (15th-16th century).
* Istoriato Style, complex narrative scenes, often drawn from biblical, mythological, or literary episodes (16th century).
* Compendiario Style, more rapid and essential decorations (second half of the 16th century).
* Berrettino Style, a blue monochrome background with white or yellow-orange decorations (16th century).
* Carnation Decoration (Decorazione a Garofano), a stylized floral motif, typical of the 18th century and still very popular today.
* Raffaellesche Decoration, motifs inspired by Roman grotesques and the works of Raphael (17th-18th century).
Additional details:
- Brand: Ceramica di Faenza
- Style: Hand-painted
- Material: Maiolica
- Period: Early 20th Century
Specifications
ConditionGoodMaterialCeramic
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ProfessionalMilano, ItalyOn Whoppah since July 2026 • 0 sales