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Faenza Ceramic Wall Shelf with Shell and Early 20th Century Lady
€250Bid from €225
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ProfessionalProduct description
Faenza ceramic wall shelf, hand-painted with a shell and a lady, made in the early 20th Century. Dimensions: Ø 18 cm, Ø 12 cm, H 22 cm.
Antique ceramic shelves are fascinating objects that combine functionality with the aesthetics of the past. They represent a piece of furnishing and craftsmanship history and can add a touch of elegance and authenticity to any environment. They were often made of majolica or porcelain, materials that feature detailed decorations and vibrant colors. Craft techniques such as hand-painting, carving, and glazing lend uniqueness to each piece. From Baroque to Art Nouveau, passing through Neoclassical, antique shelves reflect the artistic styles of different eras. Floral motifs, landscapes, mythological figures, and scenes of daily life are common in their 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 synonymous with majolica, 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 peak of its ceramic production, becoming a center of excellence. Faenza ceramic is predominantly majolica, a tin-glazed earthenware, meaning it is covered with an opaque tin-oxide-based glaze that provides a bright white background, ideal for painted decoration.
Even today, Faenza ceramic is produced using artisanal techniques handed down through the centuries. The process includes shaping the clay, the first firing to obtain the "biscuit," glazing, preparing the design with a "spolvero" (perforated stencil), brush decoration with metallic oxide-based colors, and the final firing with a clear glaze ("cristallina") 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, featuring faster and more essential decorations (second half of the 16th century).
* "Berrettino" style, a blue monochrome background with white or yellow-orange decorations (16th century).
* "Garofano" (Carnation) decoration, 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
- Material: Maiolica
- Period: Primi Novecento
Specifications
ConditionGoodMaterialCeramic
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About this seller
ProfessionalMilano, ItalyOn Whoppah since July 2026 • 0 sales