Ode on a Grecian Urn

Well, actually, two urns. . . and not Greek, but Italian.  However, this substantial set of superbly sculpted solid bronze urns are certainly worthy of an ode.

They are each signed on the lip "Alimondo Ciampi" and "Firenze" (the Italian name for Florence). Ciampi (1876-1939) was an Italian sculptor. He began as an apprentice in a Florence a marble and alabaster workshop, where he learned how to carve stone, then studied in the studio of the sculptor Antonio Bortone. Ciampi became a teacher at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. His works were exhibited at the Venice Biennale from 1909 to 1924, as well as in many other exhibitions. In 1926, his  war memorial was unveiled in the Piazza Matteotti in Scandicci.  A permanent exhibit of eight of his bronze sculptures is in the gardens of Piazza della Repubblic in Signa.  Ciampi's oldest son, Giotto Ciampi, created the Alimondo Ciampi Foundation in memory of his father to assist and support young artists.

The handles are adorned with young children or cherubs, demonstrating Ciampi's skill in capturing gesture and movement.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

12194-41

Beautiful Van Briggle Vase

This stunning vase with a stylized dragonfly in soft blues and greens is by Van Briggle Art Pottery. Established in 1901 in Colorado Springs by Artus and Anne Van Briggle, the pottery is renown for its art nouveau designs and its distinctive glaze. Artus was fascinated by the satiny matte glazes found on Chinese Ming Dynasty pottery. After two years of research, trial, and error, he discovered the long-lost secret to this unique subtle glaze. Van Briggle added further depth by applying a complementary color applied over the main color to accent the form and modeling. Artus struggled with his health and passed away in 1905 at the age of 35 years. However the company, despite many setbacks and hardships, continued to operate until 2012.

The marks on Van Briggle pottery were incised by hand, so there is a lot of variation.  Typically, each piece carries the mark of two conjoined "A's" (standing for Artus and Anne) in a box and "Van Briggle" scratched in print or cursive.  The earliest pieces, through 1907, were all dated.  Pieces made from 1908 through 1920 are often not dated.  Around 1920, "Colorado Springs," often abbreviated as "Colo. Spgs, Co.," was added.  This suggests that is beauteous vase dates from the 1910s through perhaps the early 1920s.  It is not only an elegant antique, but also is a piece of American history.  Its delicate colors and refined lines would fit into any home's decor.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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