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Mid-Century Ceramic Vase with Thick Glaze by Ceramiche S.A.M., Italy, late 1950s
An authentic and expressive mid-century ceramic vase, manufactured by Ceramiche S.A.M. (Società Anonima Marina) in San Marino during the 1950s. This piece exemplifies the experimental and dynamic approach to surface textures that characterized Italian studio pottery of the post-war era. The vase features a well-balanced ceramic body covered in a dense, tactile thick glaze (smalto grasso) characterized by a generous, viscous application and a prominent surface relief. The surface comes alive through a vibrant chromatic interplay of rich red and deep green tones, which merge and flow across the body during high-temperature firing. The areas where these dense colors overlap highlight the spontaneous movement of the glaze, emphasizing the strong tactile and sculptural presence of the object. A wonderful, highly collectible example of mid-century Italian decorative arts.