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.
Hand-Painted Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Vase by Giovanni DeSimone
By Giovanni DeSimone
Located in Miami, FL
One-of-kind handled vase, hand-crafted and hand-painted by Giovanni Desimone. Great design with a whimsical figurative image on the front and other accentuating decor on the sides. ...
Ceramic
Giovanni de Simone Hand-Painted Jug Vase
By Giovanni de Simone
Located in Skokie, IL
Giovanni de Simone Hand-Painted Jug Vase This three-sided handled jug vase by famed Italian artist Giovanni de Simone (1930-1991) is an original gem. The...
Ceramic
$2,866Sale Price|20% Off
H 12.6 in Dm 9.85 in
Vintage French Hand-Painted Ceramic Vase by Roger Capron (circa 1960s)
By Roger Capron
Located in London, GB
A vintage French ceramic hand-painted vase by ceramicist Roger Capron (circa 1960s). The painted figures are surely inspired by Picasso who also resided in Vallauris, France while Ca...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Hand-Painted Ceramic Vase by Giovanni DeSimone
By Giovanni DeSimone
Located in Miami, FL
One-of-kind vase, hand-crafted and hand-painted by Giovanni Desimone. Great design with whimsical images on both sides. Signed and numbered, this rare piece is colorful as the us...
Ceramic
Desimone Hand Painted Tall Art Pottery Flower Vase Vessel Olive Picking Italy
By Giovanni DeSimone
Located in Miami, FL
Original Italian Giovanni Desimone hand painted tall art pottery flower vase, vessel. The glazed vase painting depicts a man and a woman in action pic...
Pottery, Paint
$1,305
H 14.75 in Dm 6.5 in
Italian Giovanni Desimone Hand Painted Big Art Pottery Flower Vase Vessel Italy
By Giovanni DeSimone
Located in Miami, FL
Original Italian Giovanni Desimone hand painted tall art pottery flower vase, vessel. The glazed vase painting depicts two fishermen in action catchin...
Pottery, Paint
$395
H 12.1 in W 10.1 in D 7.8 in
Hand-Painted German Ceramic Vase, Colorful Floral Motifs, 20th Century
Located in High Point, NC
20th Century German Ceramic Vase. This vividly hand-painted ceramic pitcher features a whimsical design with colorful avian and floral motifs framed by scrolling red foliate patterns...
Ceramic
$1,600 / item
H 6.5 in Dm 5.25 in
Gambone style ceramic/pottery vase/vessel, retailed by Rena Rosenthal "Lamp base
By Guido Gambone, Rena Rosenthal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rena Rosenthal had a very expensive/ exclusive retail store in Madison, NY in Mid century . She imported many ceramics for many countries in Europe, to mention some, Italy, UK, Aust...
Ceramic
Desimone bottle / vase /vessel ceramic/pottery signed dated.
By DeSimone, Giovanni DeSimone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare ceramic / pottery bottle by Desimone , attributed to himself creator and founder Giovanni DeSimone , also dated . appears 1961 .
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Hand-Painted Ceramic Vase by Roberto Rigon, Italy
By Roberto Rigon
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Stunning hand painted ceramic by Roberto Rigon 1970. Probably made for olive oil or vinegar to use on the Italians dinner tables of the period.
Ceramic
Original Signed Giovanni DeSimone Hand Painted 'Balloons' Italian Ceramic Vase
By Giovanni DeSimone
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Original and signed by Giovanni DeSimone, this hand-painted vase is full of colour and fun Hand painted scene of Italian children playing with balloons A terrific piece of Giovanni a...
Ceramic
Diminutive Vase By Jean Gerbino, Vallauris, France, Ceramic Neriage Terracotta
By Jean Gerbino
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Sweet and diminutive vase using the Neriage technique by Jean Gerbino for Vallauris, France Ceramic glazed shaped vase, with mosaic patterning and terracotta accents Circa 1960's Sig...
Ceramic
DeSimone 'Arms Outstretched' Hand Painted Italian Ceramic Bottle Vase c1960's
By DeSimone
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Endearing 'boy with arms outstretched' tall hand painted Italian ceramic bottle vase Square shaped 10 inch tall vase by DeSimone, Italy Signed DeSimone Italy on the base Circa 1960 ...
Ceramic
Superbly Crafted, Hand Thrown Ceramic Vase From Accolay, France 1960's
By Accolay Pottery
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Shades of pale blue, grey and white, all combine and provide a fascinating crackle glaze to this superbly crafted piece Out of the common shaped tall ceramic vase from Accolay, Franc...
Stoneware
Handsome Jean Gerbino, Vallauris, France, Ceramic Glazed Mosaic Shaped Vase 1960
By Jean Gerbino
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Handsomely shaped Gerbino for Vallauris, France, ceramic glazed mosaic vase in tones of blue and green Exquisitely created by the master ceramicist Jean Gerbino Circa 1960's Signed G...
Ceramic
Petucco & Tolio, Nove, Impressive Italian Ceramic Vino Wall Plate, Retro, 1960s
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Impressive Petucco & Tolio, Nove, Italian ceramic vino wall art plate, superbly strong color palette and artwork A very large and striking piece of...
Ceramic
