Galileo Chini

Feathers and Blooms C0051

Inventory Number
C0051Size
11 3/4" H x 5" WMaterial
StonewarePeriod
Art NouveauCountry of Origin
ItalyYear Made
c1903Status
AvailableCondition
Excellent

Description

With its playful polychrome decoration of arcs, circles, and wavy lines, this vase suggests a wide range of associations—from peacock feathers and winged angel heads to aqueducts and flowers. The mellow color palette of olive green, inky blue, yellow, and orange, is further enhanced with areas of golden luster, a tradition that could have been present in Italy from 1828, the year of the Muslim conquest of Sicily. Galileo Chini was the co-founder of a small factory, L'Arte della Ceramica, in Florence. Inspired by earlier local tin-glazed earthenware, the work of oriental potters, and paintings by Gustav Klimt, he specialized in stoneware vases with luster decoration in rich colors. In 1902, Galileo and his cousin Chino established the Chini firm in Mugello, where this piece was created. Marks: painted artist's cipher, MUGELLO 2162