Although there is no definitive documentation, this vase adorned with a large branch of hawthorn in gold and grey on a lapis lazuli blue background, is attributable to Giovanni Gariboldi (1908-1971), chief designer of Richard-Ginori art ceramics from the early 1930s.
Oriental ceramics are the main source of inspiration for both the shape and the decoration. The shape, reminiscent of the traditional Chinese Meiping vase, had been in the factory’s repertoire since the early 1900s (model 1499).
The decoration probably draws inspiration from plum branches on a black background featured on popular 19th century Chinese vases (an example is in the Victoria & Albert Museum inv. C. 1314-1910), imitations of which were produced by the Manifattura di Doccia itself in the nineteenth century.
The oriental prototype is used as a starting point freely reinterpreted, with attention to detailed design and a focus on showcasing the craftsmanship skills and the use of the most refined decorative techniques, which at this time were executed entirely by hand. Particularly successful in this case is the combination of the intense dusty blue with the brightness of the white flowers and the warm glow of the agate gold thorny branch.
The decoration number (1799E) allows us to date the design back to around 1938.
