Shell-shaped vase with marine motifs in relief

The vase was created by Giovanni Gariboldi (1908-1971), main designer of Richard-Ginori art ceramics in the 1930s and 1940s and 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 inside is decorated with golden spray and a gold fringe border. It is therefore probable that the decoration (1948E) was made in or after 1940, the year in which this technique was first used. The model, however, was available earlier, with variants in the decoration, one of which without relief applications (1759E; 1764s, inv. 3349). 

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