Rare piece of retro Italian studio pottery, made in 1954 by the FRATELLI MELONI factory in San Marino (more info below). The Smalto Roccia (rock glaze) has a rough texture similar to fat lava and the hand-painted, sgraffito style, Rep. San Marino motif is crisp and undamaged. The interior has a dark green contrasting glaze. 23cm tall and in excellent condition. Base mark "F.LLI MELONI, Rep. S. Marino" is rare as this name was only used for one year. The factory Fratelli Meloni, was founded in 1954 by three brothers, Cesare, Vittorio and Romano Meloni. A year later the company became Libertas (active 1955 - 1982). Alla Moda - Italian Ceramics of the 1950's - 70's by Mark Hill.

A rare bit of functionality is showing up in some of my new work. : debra :

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