Zaccagnini (attr.) - Sculpture, Shou Lao met kind - 45 cm - Ceramic, Glaze

Italian ceramic sculpture in the style of Ugo Zaccagnini – Chinese sage with child – turquoise craquelé glaze – ca. 1950

Description

A striking and decorative Italian ceramic sculpture from the mid-20th century, executed in the characteristic chinoiserie/orientalist style that almost exactly corresponds to Ugo Zaccagnini.

The sculpture depicts a long-bearded Chinese sage holding a child in his arms. In particular, the combination of the intense Persian blue/turquoise glaze, the finely craquelured surface, and the contrasting brown patinated faces, hands and beard gives the piece a very distinctive and luxurious appearance.

The plastic modelling is especially strong: the long beard, facial expression, folds of the garment, and the small child are all fully three-dimensionally worked out. The clear blue glaze shows a beautiful fine craquelé, typical for this type of Italian ceramics from circa 1940–1960.

In execution and color, the figure shows clear similarities to the well-known Asian-inspired ceramic figures produced in this period by Zaccagnini, Florence.

A particularly decorative object and real eye-catcher, suitable for collectors of Italian design, mid-century ceramics, and chinoiserie.

Period: ca. 1940–1960
Country: Italy, presumably
Material: glazed terracotta/ceramic
Style: Mid-century / Chinoiserie / Orientalist
Glaze: turquoise/Persian blue craquelé glaze
Representation: Chinese sage with child

The sculpture is in good vintage condition with signs of age and use and localized wear to the glaze, appropriate to its age. The craquelé is part of the original glaze finish. See the photos for a complete impression of the condition.