Umbrella stand/rack - Brass - Umbrella stand attributed to Gio Ponti
02
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05
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25
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Current bid
€ 210
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Francisco Álvarez
Acquired extensive antiques knowledge through renovation works and running own antiques shop.
Estimate € 350 - € 450
 | €210 | |
|---|---|---|
| €190 | |
| €170 | |
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This Italian brass umbrella stand from 1950–1960 is traditionally attributed to Gio Ponti, though it may be by Giovanni Gariboldi, and has a flared, tapered form with gilded classical-style decoration.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Rare mid-20th-century umbrella stand, traditionally attributed to Gio Ponti, but probably by Giovanni Gariboldi.
Elegant umbrella stand with a distinctive slender shape that tapers toward the base, made of copper with a particular dark brown finish. Its richly textured, iridescent surface displays warm, irregular shades ranging from bronze to coppery brown.
The piece stands out for its intriguing contrast between the understated body and the refined ornamental details in gilt metal. The upper part is embellished with a brass collar featuring a rhythmic sequence of festoon-shaped elements, giving the opening a geometrically inspired decorative profile. On the front, a raised gilt figurative appliqué depicting several classically inspired figures adds a note of particular refinement. The small composition, sculpted with a sense of volume and richly detailed, seems to draw on mythological and neoclassical imagery, transforming an everyday object into a true furnishing element.
The combination of the copper's burnished surface and the brightness of the gilt appliqués reveals a particular attention to material quality and decorative effect, striking a balance between ancient influences and modern sensibilities. The container's simple form, devoid of any additional superstructure, allows the ornamental quality of the upper frieze—and especially of the small figurative scene—to stand out as the visual focal point of the entire composition.
In its formal language and the treatment of the applied figures, the piece invites an interesting comparison with the work of Giovanni Gariboldi, a central figure at the Richard-Ginori manufactory and a leading participant in 20th-century Italian decorative arts. In particular, the use of gilt figurative elements inspired by classical art is a stylistic reference that merits further comparative study alongside some of his works.
Although the umbrella stand has sometimes been attributed online to Gio Ponti, it seems prudent to leave the question of attribution open. Its possible connection to Gariboldi and the creative milieu of Richard-Ginori is an intriguing hypothesis, though it would require further documentary evidence or comparison with authenticated examples.
Dimensions: 52 x 26 cm
Seller's Story
My name is Riccardo. I recently graduated in Art History from the University of Florence and I am passionate about porcelain. From tableware to artistic vases, from figurines to tea and coffee sets, I am fascinated by the mastery and creativity of great artisans and designers who manage to shape this fragile material, transforming a rough mass into masterpieces with a story to tell. During my years at university I began to become interested in the history of nineteenth- and twentieth-century tableware; today, every day, I deal with prestigious porcelain pieces that always have something to say to me and to those who purchase them. I love that every day I can discover more about the objects I find while traveling around Italy, always learning something new. I always try to convey to my clients this passion I have for the objects I sell, certain that each of them has a story to tell: that of the creator, that of the one who preserved it, and that of the person who will give it a new life.
Translated by Google TranslateRare mid-20th-century umbrella stand, traditionally attributed to Gio Ponti, but probably by Giovanni Gariboldi.
Elegant umbrella stand with a distinctive slender shape that tapers toward the base, made of copper with a particular dark brown finish. Its richly textured, iridescent surface displays warm, irregular shades ranging from bronze to coppery brown.
The piece stands out for its intriguing contrast between the understated body and the refined ornamental details in gilt metal. The upper part is embellished with a brass collar featuring a rhythmic sequence of festoon-shaped elements, giving the opening a geometrically inspired decorative profile. On the front, a raised gilt figurative appliqué depicting several classically inspired figures adds a note of particular refinement. The small composition, sculpted with a sense of volume and richly detailed, seems to draw on mythological and neoclassical imagery, transforming an everyday object into a true furnishing element.
The combination of the copper's burnished surface and the brightness of the gilt appliqués reveals a particular attention to material quality and decorative effect, striking a balance between ancient influences and modern sensibilities. The container's simple form, devoid of any additional superstructure, allows the ornamental quality of the upper frieze—and especially of the small figurative scene—to stand out as the visual focal point of the entire composition.
In its formal language and the treatment of the applied figures, the piece invites an interesting comparison with the work of Giovanni Gariboldi, a central figure at the Richard-Ginori manufactory and a leading participant in 20th-century Italian decorative arts. In particular, the use of gilt figurative elements inspired by classical art is a stylistic reference that merits further comparative study alongside some of his works.
Although the umbrella stand has sometimes been attributed online to Gio Ponti, it seems prudent to leave the question of attribution open. Its possible connection to Gariboldi and the creative milieu of Richard-Ginori is an intriguing hypothesis, though it would require further documentary evidence or comparison with authenticated examples.
Dimensions: 52 x 26 cm
Seller's Story
My name is Riccardo. I recently graduated in Art History from the University of Florence and I am passionate about porcelain. From tableware to artistic vases, from figurines to tea and coffee sets, I am fascinated by the mastery and creativity of great artisans and designers who manage to shape this fragile material, transforming a rough mass into masterpieces with a story to tell. During my years at university I began to become interested in the history of nineteenth- and twentieth-century tableware; today, every day, I deal with prestigious porcelain pieces that always have something to say to me and to those who purchase them. I love that every day I can discover more about the objects I find while traveling around Italy, always learning something new. I always try to convey to my clients this passion I have for the objects I sell, certain that each of them has a story to tell: that of the creator, that of the one who preserved it, and that of the person who will give it a new life.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Umbrella stand attributed to Gio Ponti
Country of origin
Italy
Material
Brass
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
52 cm
Width
26 cm
Depth
26 cm
Estimated period
1950-1960
