Sculptural Ceramic Fantasy Object, Gennaro Condurso, Italy

A tall and sculptural ceramic object from Seminara in Calabria, made by Gennaro Condurso.

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

Dimensions: height 53 cm, diameter 13 cm. Signed: Gennaro Condurso.

This remarkable object has a slender, tower-like form and is built up with imaginative faces, openings and symbolic shapes. On one side, an expressive male face appears, with a beard, long nose, red lips and strongly defined eyes. On the other side, the face is more distorted and almost mask-like, with irregular openings and deep relief details.

At the top we see an elongated figure with a raised head, while the side is decorated with a spiky fish-like form, reminiscent of a pufferfish or mythical sea creature. These animals and fantasy figures fit beautifully within the imaginative ceramic tradition of Southern Italy, where human faces, animals, protection and decoration often come together.

The object is glazed in deep green tones, with accents of blue, black, red, yellow and earthy nuances. The many openings in the body give the piece extra movement and a strong architectural presence. It could also be transformed into an atmospheric light object, with the addition of a suitable fitting.

A powerful and highly decorative ceramic artwork with great character. Beautiful as a striking sculptural accent among folk art, contemporary ceramics, wabi-sabi objects or artistic collector’s pieces.