Apotropaic Ceramic Mask, Rocco Condurso, Italy

A powerful ceramic wall mask from Seminara in Calabria, made by Rocco Condurso, a member of the renowned Condurso family of ceramic artists.

Dimensions: height 30 cm, width 23 cm, depth 10 cm.

This handmade mask is closely connected to the classical tradition of the maschere apotropaiche from Southern Italy. It features a strong anthropomorphic face with large horns, deep-set eyes, a broad nose, visible teeth and a protruding tongue. The rough modelling, deep grooves and earthy honey-brown glaze give the piece an archaic, almost primitive strength.

Rocco Condurso works here in a more traditional style than some of the more expressive contemporary interpretations. The shape, restrained colour palette and powerful facial expression remain close to the old protective masks of Seminara.

These masks were traditionally used as protective symbols, placed on façades, walls or near entrances to ward off evil, misfortune and the evil eye. The distorted facial features, horns, open mouth and tongue all reinforce its protective and magical character.

The reverse is signed by the artist.

A highly decorative and authentic piece of Southern Italian ceramic art, ideal as a wall object in an interior with folk art, Mediterranean ceramics, wabi-sabi objects or distinctive collector’s pieces.