TALL NUOVO RINASCIMENTO BLUE & AQUA CYLINDER VASE (ITALY)

A tall, Italian, column vase from NUOVO RINASCIMENTO, comprised of five deeply embossed bands. A creamy underglaze is over-painted in alternating feathery rings of blue and teal. The delicately gilded edges of the relief molding recall the lustre decoration perfected by medieval Islamic majolica painters. Nicely proportioned, it stands just shy of 10".

NUOVO RINASCIMENTO created handmade pottery during the 1960s and 1970s that showcased a distinctive Italian mid-century aesthetic. Its pieces were well known for their textured, sculptural surfaces, intricate hand-painted details, and rich, expressive glazes.

The name NUOVO RINASCIMENTO, meaning “New Renaissance,” implies an artistic philosophy that, while integrating mid-century design features such as geometric forms, is deeply rooted in the heritage of Italian ceramic craftsmanship. This lineage traces back to the 1st century CE, encompassing ancient Etruscan and Roman production, as well as the majolica (tin-glazed earthenware) of the Renaissance era.

Established in 1960 by Nedo Scappini (1929–2022) in the hilltop Tuscan town of Montelupo, some 30 km east of Florence–the same medieval village where the esteemed Bitossi pottery had its origins–much of NUOVO RINASCIMENTO’s output was exported globally. Its work is often favorably compared to Bitossi’s, as well as to that of the nearby Fratelli Fanciullaci studio. Indeed, some collectors believe that many of its designs were inspired by, and occasionally replicated, the creations of these more prominent contemporaries where Scappini had previously been employed.

Born into a long ceramics tradition in the Capraina region near Italy’s northern border, Scappini lived through a time of fundamental change for his industry, extending back to the days when ovens were wood-fired and the most crucial figure in the factory was still the kiln worker. With an exceptional talent for drawing, as early as the 1950s, Scappini began to perform the specific role that would become the cornerstone of every pottery in the second half of the 20^th century: that of “designer.” The role included responsibility for both forms and decorations, as well as the production of prototypes.

Due to a lack of official information, NUOVO RINASCIMENTO’s designs have frequently been misattributed to other firms. Its pieces are usually marked with “Italy,” “NR,” or a combination of both.

DETAILS

Designer – UNKNOWN

Design Period/Year – 1970s

Maker – NUOVO RINASCIMENTO

Production Period/Year – 1970s

Origin – ITALY

Styles/Movements – MID-CENTURY MODERN

Materials – CERAMIC

Colors – TURQUOISE, BLUE, CREAM, GOLD

Condition – Excellent vintage condition. May show minor signs of previous ownership and use.

Dimensions – 3 ¾" DIAM. × 9 ¾" H