Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Giovanni DeSimone was a mid-century ceramicist whose lively designs seem primed to elicit smiles. He created colorful vessels, platters and wall art, decorated with festive figures, flowers and fauna in a style that reveals an appreciation for Cubism and folk art.
DeSimone was born in Palermo, Sicily, in 1930. His parents were aristocrats, and as a young child, he traveled to Somalia. It was here that he grew fond of African artistic traditions. After World War II, DeSimone moved to the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. He attended the Istituto d’Arte per la Ceramica and discovered a passion for pottery. Upon graduation, DeSimone moved back to Palermo and fell in love with Eliana, who became his wife. The couple had three daughters together.
DeSimone opened his famous ceramics studio in the 1960s, producing dinnerware, serveware and decorative tiles. As the studio grew in success and popularity, DeSimone hired more artists to help with the work. In its heyday, the studio had as many as six ceramicists producing work. While each creator had a unique style, DeSimone set a standard for the colors and themes to be used.
DeSimone died in 1991, passing his workshop down to his daughters Margherita and Susanna. Today, the company still operates in Palermo under the name La Fabbrica della Ceramica, producing ceramic pieces inspired by DeSimone's original designs.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Giovanni DeSimone decorative objects, serveware and wall decorations.
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Clay, Parchment Paper
20th Century American British Colonial Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Bronze
1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Marble, Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Metal
19th Century Antique Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Bronze
19th Century Italian Antique Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Marble, Bronze
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Ceramic
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Ceramic
20th Century Asian Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Wood
Early 20th Century German Modern Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Porcelain
1960s English Vintage Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Cast Stone
Late 19th Century French Islamic Antique Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Bronze, Spelter
20th Century Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Wood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Giovanni DeSimone Sculptures
Ceramic
