This antique item has been gently cleaned while respecting the aged patina. It has been left unrestored to preserve its original condition.
This is an impressive & decorative example of antique Italian tin glazed earthenware, or Majolica, which Italy has been renowned for since the Renaissance.
In this example an oversized shell was cast from an early 18th Century ceramic mold by the world famous Ferniani Factory.
There are existing examples in blue & white majolica from the 17th Century with the same cast. In this case the gold metallic finish and hand painted signature `Italy` (still a portion visible, as photographed) on the underside suggest this piece was probably produced in the late 19th Century, but could be of an earlier date.
Similar examples with a diversity of decorations can be found in the following Italian publications:
C. Ravanelli Guidotti, "Thesaurus of traditional works of Faenza", Faenza 1998.
C. Ravanelli Guidotti, "The Ferniani Factory. Faenza Ceramics from Baroque to Eclecticism", Milan 2009.
The evenness of the hand painted golden glaze is indicative of Ferniani`s quality. This white glaze & gilt have gently rubbed over time adding depth to the finish & great character.
The oversized proportions, sculptural presence and lush finish make this item as relevant for today`s interiors as when it was produced 150 years ago. It would work well as a decorative display or fruit bowl especially in a home near the sea.
The form is a Rococo inspired oversized ceramic shell hand cast using an historic mold. Inside the hinge area has flowing wave-like detail curving inwards. From here fluted naturalistic groves fan out to the scalloped edges. On the under side there is the reverse of the groves and three protruding feet.
This antique item is in good original condition with the age adding to the design. The antique patina has been preserved. There is an attractive rubbing to the glaze & gilt achieved over time. The structure is sound with no cracks or major chips. There are a few tiny nibbles as areas of exposed earthenware adding texture and historic intrigue on how this piece was produced and survived.
Packing is offered free of charge. We take special professional care while packing. For safe transport the item would be wrapped in bubble wrap, foam and an outer layer of card. It would easily fit into a box with loose fill packing nuts, safe for posting with a courier. We ship with reliable couriers (signed for, tracked & insured).
MAIN DELIVERY CHARGES:
UK Mainland: £ Free
European Union: £ 60
United States/Canada: £ 90
Australia: £ 160
Japan: £ 120
Rest of the World please enquire.
FERNIANI FACTORY HISTORY
The Ferniani factory remained active in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy for two centuries and had a leading role in the production of Majolica di Faenza in
various styles of ceramic decorations: from late 17th Century Baroque to 19th Century Eclecticism.
The production period date from 1693, when the factory was opened by Count Annibale Carlo, to 1893 when Count Annibale IV Ferniani decided to close it definitively.
In the 20th Century, the "Antica Fabbrica Ceramica Ferniani" was active in the premises of the former "Bubani" factory in Faenza and was founded in 1933 by the owners of the "Ceramica Adriatica" of Porto Potenza Picena.
Director Giuseppe Gasparri kept production active until 1936.
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