Description
Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988)
“Il Quadrante” Ceramic Beer Stein
c. 1960s
A superb and rare example of Piero Fornasetti’s whimsical yet sophisticated design, this ceramic beer stein, or tankard, dates to the 1960s. From the sought-after “Il Quadrante” (The Quadrant) series, the piece exemplifies Fornasetti’s masterful fusion of surrealist imagery with classical forms.
The cylindrical vessel, finished with a lustrous gold ground, features a large, elegant compass rose as its central motif, with the North and South cardinal points clearly marked. The series title, “Il Quadrante,” is inscribed twice in a fine script around the top rim. Flanking the compass are allegorical depictions of the four winds, personified as cherubic faces blowing amidst stylized clouds. The navigational and celestial theme is further explored through two roundels within the compass: one portrays a demilune “Man in the Moon,” while the other depicts a radiant sun, cleverly illustrated in both its day and night aspects.
This stein is a particularly desirable collector’s item, as the “Il Quadrante” pattern has never been reissued, a fact noted in the artist’s definitive catalogue raisonné. Its specific history is hinted at by a surviving paper label from its original Roman retailer, adding a unique layer of provenance.
Medium: Porcelain with transfer-printed decoration and gilt ground
Dimensions: 5 inches high x 5 inches wide x 3 inches deep
Markings: Stamped in black on the underside with the Fornasetti hand-and-brush logo and inscribed “Fornasetti / Made in Italy / Milano.” Bears an original, partial paper retailer’s label reading “Sarsini and Ventri Venin– / V. Parione 13r,” for a shop located in a historic Roman antiques district.
Literature: This design is illustrated in Barnaba Fornasetti, Fornasetti: The Complete Universe (Rizzoli, 2010), page 579, #65.
(Ref: NY10900-irmx)See
- Dimensions
- 5ʺW × 3ʺD × 5ʺH
- Styles
- Mid-Century Modern
- Surrealism
- Artist
- Piero Fornasetti
- Brand
- Piero Fornasetti
- Designer
- Piero Fornasetti
- Period
- 1960s
- Country of Origin
- Italy
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
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- Materials
- Ceramic
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Gold
- Condition Notes
- good condition. One tiny minute gilt rub to the lower foot as seen in photo on right side.good condition. One tiny minute gilt rub to the lower foot as seen in photo on right side.
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