Bucchero ceramic bust, 1950s

Bust / female head "Bucchero" attributed to Giò Ponti and Carlo Alberto Rossi. Mid-20th century, Italy. This is a rare and wonderful small ceramic bust from the mid-century, created by Carlo Alberto Rossi based on a design attributed to Giò Ponti. Very stylish and elegant. The ceramic derives its characteristic black colour from a special process where oxygen is removed from the red clay, without paint or glaze. This technique dates back to the Etruscans. Many works by Carlo Alberto Rossi and his brother have this distinctive black colour. The Rossi brothers collaborated with the famous architect and designer Gio Ponti. Several of his designs, including this head, were produced in the Rossi workshop. The collaboration was a great success. Some works were exhibited at the IX Triennale in Milan in 1951. We have a selection of "Bucchero" pieces by the artists from Gubbio C. A. Rossi, Sebastiani, and Elio Cerbella available.