Firenze - Italy, c1930s

A work of art by the early 20th century by master sculptor Ugo Zaccagnini. Of generous scale, with verdigris bronze Roman strigil relief patterned body and simulated twisted and knotted rope design. Incredible ceramic work and detail, the rope showing patination and fine threaded fibres. A rare and impressive decorative artwork.

Dimensions: H 52cm x D 40cm

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About the artist: Ugo Zaccagnini began his career at the Ginori factory in the 19th century and left Ginori in 1891 to open his own studio in Florence. In 1896 Ugo closed his studio and entered into a partnership with six of the most talented artisans and craftsmen in Florence at the time. The new company was named “La Societa Industriale per Fabbricazione della Maioliche Artistiche “ (The Society for Industrial Fabrication of Majolica Art) and was known by the acronym SIFMA. In 1905 Ugo left SIFMA to once again open his own ceramics factory in Florence. His five children joined him and the company was named “Manifattura Ugo Zaccagnini e figli”. Zaccagnini past away in 1937 at the age of sixty-nine. In the thirty-one he had spent building his reputation and his factory he garnered worldwide recognition and his company had grown to more that 120 employees. The firm’s overall management became the responsibility of Ugo’s second eldest son, Urbano (1901-1964). That year the family changed the name of the company to "Società Anonima Ceramiche Zaccagnini" (Ceramic Joint-stock companies Zaccagnini) and created a new company logo – A capital “Z” with a squiggly line through it. This was a tribute to their father and founder of the company. The squiggle represented Monte Oliveto (Mount Olive}. During his lifetime Ugo often remarked that the view of the Tuscan hillside and Monte Oliveto that he looked upon each day from his office was “the most beautiful view out of any window in Europe.” Pieces containing the written script “Zaccagnini” were first used in 1938 for the Disney series and later to signify limited edition pieces. Sometimes the signature mark was used in conjunction with the more famous “Z” with the squiggle. After Urbano left the company the signature logo replaced the “Z” completely.