Alfiero Mangani - Mangani - Centrepiece - Hard-paste porcelain

I propose at auction an exceptional and sumptuous centerpiece in the shape of a shuttle, entirely made in pierced basket-ware porcelain, hand-painted and richly enriched with 22-karat gold finishes. The item is a rare and refined art production from the famous Alfiero Mangani manufactory (Florence), a historic progenitor of the Florentine masters’ ceramic dynasty. The piece dates from the 1950s to the 1960s.

The work was conceived and executed as a learned and superb homage to the high style of the XVIII-century Royal Manufactory of Sèvres: the entire composition faithfully recalls the splendors and models of French eighteenth-century Louis XV. However, instead of presenting the classic apocryphal or counterfeit double crossed L marks of the era, the Florentine manufactory proudly impressed on the back its own monogram with Mangani’s blue “M” under glaze (accompanied by the orange-red inscription “Modèle et décoration exclusive à la main”), thus offering a piece philologically honest and of the highest artisanal dignity.

The centerpiece, of substantial dimensions (44 x 23 x 5.5 cm in height), stands out for an extremely intricate and elegant pierced-work. The structure imitates a stylized wickerwork, where every single slat is geometrically underlined by a fine blue thread-work painted by hand.

In the center, the body is embellished by two important white-bottom oval reserves, elegantly bordered by a pastel pink band and topped by an elaborate blue-night ribbon motif exquisitely modeled in relief relative to the surrounding surface. Inside the reserves, rich bouquets of flowers are painted in cobalt blue tones with splendid golden highlights, finely hand-miniatured.

The sinuous edges and the majestic rococo scroll handles are enhanced by an intense, creamy, and richly gilded profile in 22-karat gold and blue night (the famed color that evokes Bleu de Sèvres), with delicate pink/magenta garlands. Inside the basin, the bottom features a refined tri-fired decoration composed of small floral elements and scattered gilded buds in relief. The shuttle rests gracefully on four paw-shaped feet, stylized and richly decorated in gold and blue.

Lot details:
Manufacturer: Alfiero Mangani (Florence) - Style and evolution of XVIII-century Sèvres models

Object: Centerpiece / shuttle-stand with pierced work
Material: Hand-painted porcelain with raised decorative elements and 22-karat gold
Era: 1950s / 1960s
Dimensions: 44 x 23 x 5.5 cm (h)
Conditions:
Excellent conservative conditions. The porcelain shows no hairlines, restorations, or structural breaks (even within the delicate pierced areas); the gilding in 22-karat gold on the handles and edges is beautifully preserved and retains its original brilliance.

Given its fragility and the high historical value of the manufactory, the object will be adequately protected and shipped with professional and secure packaging.

Happy bidding to all!