Red Bull Motif Fat Lava Pottery Bowl

A striking example of seventies modern fat lava ceramics, this pottery bowl is thickly crusted with foamy white and features a red bull in the center. Lava glazes, first introduced in 1967, were a perfect fit for mid century modern ceramic shapes and forms. The sgraffito relief designs in bold colors, like the glossy red bull set against a matte black background, are in dramatic contrast. The incised lines that form geometric shapes add an extra fillip to the design.

The bowl is heavy gray clay, oval in shape with squared off ends. The underside of the bowl is also coated with the fat lava glaze, with a dry foot ring that reveals the clay color. Measuring 12 inches long, 8 1/2 inches front to back and 2 inches high, it weighs 2 pounds. The bowl is in excellent condition with no cracks or chips.

There is no maker's mark on this 1970's bowl, which was probably made in Italy, possibly in San Marino. It's a superb example of mid century modern ceramics.

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