Sculptural Glazed Stoneware Pitcher by Bruno Gambone

Bruno Gambone striking glazed stoneware pitcher, Italy, circa 1965.

This sculptural flattened pitcher is formed with a broad geometric body, softly rounded sides, a tall cylindrical neck, slender upturned spout and large circular loop handle. Its angular front and back panels are outlined with a fine brown line that emphasizes the distinctive asymmetrical silhouette and gives definition to the otherwise restrained surface.

The pitcher is finished in a soft warm-white matte glaze, finely speckled with brown throughout. Subtle turquoise-green glaze accents appear along portions of the handle and at the spout, providing a restrained contrast to the neutral body.

Particularly unusual is the vessel's remarkably shallow 2.5-inch depth. Seen from the front, the body appears broad and substantial, while the side view reveals an unexpectedly narrow, almost planar profile. The elongated spout, tall neck and boldly scaled loop handle further accentuate the sculptural character of the design.

The combination of geometric construction and gently curved elements is characteristic of Bruno Gambone's approach to ceramics, in which traditional vessel forms were reduced and reinterpreted as distinctly modern sculptural objects.

Signed on the underside "GAMBONE ITALY."