Auction of Caltagirone Ceramics

128 Live auction

Auction of Caltagirone Ceramics

fri 24 January 2025
Icons of Sicily, ceramic works stand as the proud emblem of the island’s craft heritage. Sicilian ceramics have become a world-renowned excellence.

Following the catastrophic earthquake of 1693, which devastated numerous kilns in the Calatino region, a pivotal moment emerged for ceramics. This marked a significant shift in the industry, steering it in a direction markedly different from the pre-earthquake era and the learned, refined productions that had defined the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.

In Caltagirone, the focus turned to reconstruction and essential needs, leading ceramics to evolve in response to functional requirements. As a result, their form became more popular in nature, although never entirely abandoning the apothecary tradition.

This period saw the birth of such items as *quartare*, *bummuli*, *cannate*, *colapasta*, and other domestic utensils.

The rise of industrial production from rival majolica manufactories, particularly in Naples, influenced the Calatino output.

The works from this period, now on display, reveal a remarkable synthesis of earlier decorative elements, yet with a decidedly more popular aesthetic—a characteristic that would define the art of Sicilian ceramics well into the 20th century.
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1 - 30  of 172 LOTS
4

Caltagirone jar in enameled terracotta

late 19th century
Spinning present, h cm 86 diameter cm 140
4

Caltagirone jar in enameled terracotta

late 19th century
Spinning present, h cm 86 diameter cm 140
Starting price
€ 140,00
Unsold
5

Large terracotta jar

1865
Dated on the back 1865
5

Large terracotta jar

1865
Dated on the back 1865
Starting price
€ 500,00
Sold
6

Jar

early 20th century
h cm 95 diameter cm 186
6

Jar

early 20th century
h cm 95 diameter cm 186
Starting price
€ 250,00
Sold
Starting price
€ 400,00
Unsold
8

Terracotta jar with iron base

H cm 105 - diam cm 210
8

Terracotta jar with iron base

H cm 105 - diam cm 210
Starting price
€ 250,00
Sold
9

Large can (15 lt) with a depiction of the Commedia dell'Arte

1803
Maiolica from Caltagirone, Sicily. Dated 1803. Museum restoration on the edge of the mouth. Rare collector's [..], h cm 48; mouth diameter cm 32
9

Large can (15 lt) with a depiction of the Commedia dell'Arte

1803
Maiolica from Caltagirone, Sicily. Dated 1803. Museum restoration on the edge of the mouth. Rare collector's [..], h cm 48; mouth diameter cm 32
Starting price
€ 3.200,00
Unsold
15

Albarello in Caltagirone majolica

18th century
With floral decoration on a blue background, perfect presentation condition, h cm 17 x cm 10
15

Albarello in Caltagirone majolica

18th century
With floral decoration on a blue background, perfect presentation condition, h cm 17 x cm 10
Starting price
€ 400,00
Sold
16

Officine Maiolicane Caltagironesi

Bottle

18th century
White background with large leaf ramage framing blue jasmine flowers, Majolica, h 23 cm
16

Officine Maiolicane Caltagironesi

Bottle

18th century
White background with large leaf ramage framing blue jasmine flowers, Majolica, h 23 cm
Starting price
€ 500,00
Sold
17

Large cylinder decorated with a peacock tail, Caltagirone 1802. H 36 cm, width 30. Restoration.

Large cylinder decorated with a peacock tail, Caltagirone 1802. H 36 cm, width 30. Restorations on the bottom. [..]
17

Large cylinder decorated with a peacock tail, Caltagirone 1802. H 36 cm, width 30. Restoration.

Large cylinder decorated with a peacock tail, Caltagirone 1802. H 36 cm, width 30. Restorations on the bottom. [..]
Starting price
€ 1.200,00
Sold
18

Truncated pyramidal herm in Caltagirone terracotta with bas-relief of large leaves

18th century
Degrading square base., H 98 cm - top 32x32 cm - base 30x30 cm
Starting price
€ 700,00
Unsold
21

Caltagirone majolica shoe warmer, Sicily. H cm 14 x Cm 20x9

Sicily, 19th century
Caltagirone majolica shoe warmer, Sicily, 18th century., H cm 14 x Cm 20x9
21

Caltagirone majolica shoe warmer, Sicily. H cm 14 x Cm 20x9

Sicily, 19th century
Caltagirone majolica shoe warmer, Sicily, 18th century., H cm 14 x Cm 20x9
Starting price
€ 360,00
Sold
Starting price
€ 40,00
Sold
1 - 30  of 172 LOTS