Long-necked vase with lava flow decoration

This long-necked vase features the decoration known as ‘a lava colata’, which was experimented with by the Doccia Manufactory in the early 1900s under the direction of Luigi Tazzini. The marbled effect in yellow, brown, gray, and gold is the partly random result of a process that involves letting the glaze flow down the surface, creating soft drips of color. 

This technique is inspired by examples made by French ceramists at the end of the 19th century, who were themselves influenced by works of Japanese artists. Its success is largely due to the unpredictable results of glaze dripping, which until then was considered a serious production flaw, but here is valued as ornamentation.

The Ginori Museum preserves another specimen decorated with the same method, but in blue and gold tones (inv. 1979).