Shell-shaped vase with marine-themed reliefs

Attributed to Giovanni Gariboldi (1908-1971), chief designer of Richard-Ginori art ceramics in the 1930s and 1940s, this vase is shaped like a shell and decorated on the outside with small marine animals in relief including a crab, seaweed, and starfish painted in gold. The interior is decorated with a gilded spray and a fringed gold rim. Hence, a dating of the decoration (1948E) equal to or later than 1940 can be hypothesized, the year in which this technique was first documented. The model itself was also available earlier, with decorative variants including one without relief applications (1759E; 1764s, inv. 3349). 

The marine world is a recurring inspiration in Gariboldi’s imagination throughout his long career. In 1940 the artist presented at the Milan Triennale the Coppa del mare in biscuit and a series of other vases with marine reliefs, including a flowerpot with a perforated lid (inv. 3516).