Anthropomorphic Ceramic Bust Vase, Gennaro Condurso, Seminara, Italy

A large and expressive ceramic bust vase from Seminara in Calabria, made by Gennaro Condurso.

Handmade and unique: only one example of this work exists.

Dimensions: height 50 cm, width 38 cm, depth 24 cm. Weight: approx. 11 kg.

This monumental ceramic bust is shaped as a female figure with an richly detailed crown, decorative necklace and sculptural snakes around the head and shoulders. The combination of white crackle glaze, green, black, pink, yellow and blue gives the piece a vivid, almost theatrical presence.

The object is not made as a classic closed water vase, but as an open sculptural bust vase. The top is open, making it suitable for dry branches, as a decorative cachepot with an inner pot, or simply as a ceramic art object.

The form refers to the Southern Italian tradition of anthropomorphic ceramics and bust vases, with an atmosphere reminiscent of Sicilian head vases. However, this work comes from Seminara and remains clearly connected to the expressive ceramic culture of Calabria.

The reverse is signed by Gennaro Condurso.

A powerful and highly decorative object: distinctive, handmade and full of character. Beautiful as a statement piece in an interior, among folk art, contemporary ceramics, wabi-sabi objects or artistic collector’s pieces.