Monumental Apotropaic Wall Mask, Gennaro Condurso, Italy

A monumental ceramic wall mask from Seminara in Calabria, made by Gennaro Condurso.

A handmade and unique piece, of which only one example exists.

Dimensions: height 61 cm, width 57 cm, depth 11 cm.
Weight: 15 kg.

This exceptional mask features a powerful anthropomorphic face with large expressive eyes, a broad nose, visible teeth and a wide-open mouth. Around the face, an impressive fan-shaped border unfolds in yellow, black and blue, while red serpent-like forms move around the head. The combination of the face, snakes, open mouth and radiant outline gives the piece a strong ritual and almost mythical presence.

The mask is closely connected to the traditional maschere apotropaiche from Seminara: protective ceramic masks once used in Southern Italy to ward off evil, misfortune or the evil eye. Gennaro Condurso gives this classical theme a monumental and highly decorative interpretation.

With its scale, deep modelling and vibrant glazes, this is a true statement piece for the wall. It works beautifully in a contemporary interior, among folk art, modern ceramics, wabi-sabi objects or distinctive artistic collectibles.

The mask is fitted with a wall hanging system and signed by the artist on the reverse.

Outdoors, the work can also be very striking as a sculptural garden object, for example in a sheltered patio, on a garden wall, or incorporated near a pond or water basin. Because of the open mouth, it could also be beautifully integrated as a decorative water spout.

A rare, powerful and monumental ceramic artwork with exceptional presence.