A Rare Piece from a Historic Florentine Manufacture — La Colonnata, Sesto Fiorentino
Exquisite vintage ceramic jewelry or trinket box, hand-crafted by the historic manufacturer "La Colonnata" in Sesto Fiorentino (Florence, Italy). The manufactory was founded in 1891 and won a gold medal at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, confirming its place among the most prestigious Italian ceramic houses.
This piece is designed in the classic Neo-Baroque / Rococo style. The lid features a romantic, hand-painted courting scene in relief with two 18th-century figures in a garden, rendered in soft pastel tones. The body is embellished with rich gold-accented scrolls, rocaille motifs, and elegant integrated feet.
MANUFACTURE & MARKINGS
· The base bears the original impressed maker's mark, a true sign of authenticity for collectors:
· Manufacturer: La Colonnata, Sesto Fiorentino (Florence, Italy)
· Era: Circa 1937 – 1940s (transitional period)
· Markings: Original impressed maker's mark in gold — two crossed crescent shapes (or stylized fish), with a star above and "Sesto Fiorentino" below. A separate impressed number 480 appears on the side, likely a model or series number
This mark identifies the piece as part of the production of "La Colonnata" during its transitional years. The original "Società Ceramica Colonnata" was founded in 1891 and won a gold medal at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, exhibiting at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1900 . The factory ceased production in 1937 and was sold in 1938 to "Arte Ceramica Italiana", which continued under the name "Arte della Ceramica Italiana la Colonnata" . The production continued through the 1940s and 1950s, before becoming A.C.F. in 1964.
CONDITION & AUTHENTICITY NOTES
· The box is in good vintage condition, with the natural imperfections of handcrafted ceramics and time. There are no cracks or repairs. As an authentic hand-crafted piece, it carries beautiful, natural period characteristics: (crackle, gold, lid fit) .
· Beautiful Crackle Effect: The glaze features a stunning, original fine crackle pattern (craquelure) across the surface — a natural aging process of Italian glaze, highly desired by vintage collectors
· Gold Finishes: The gold accents show charming, light wear on the raised details from decades of gentle handling, creating a gorgeous and authentic vintage patina
· Lid Fit: As is typical for old hand-molded ceramics, the lid experienced a slight uneven shrinkage during the original kiln firing. To ensure a perfectly level fit and protect the ceramic from friction, subtle, custom-aged felt guards have been meticulously added to the inner rim (as shown in photos). The lid now rests stably, softly, and silently. This is not a flaw, but a testament to the artisanal nature of the piece — and a thoughtful preservation measure that protects it for the future
DETAILS
· Manufacturer: La Colonnata, Sesto Fiorentino (Florence, Italy)
· Era: Circa 1937 – 1940s (transitional period, pre-ACF)
· Style: Neo-Baroque / Rococo
· Material: Glazed ceramic with gold accents
· Markings: Two crossed crescents + star + "Sesto Fiorentino" + number 480
· Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 8 cm (8.6 × 5.5 × 3.1 inches)
· Condition: Good vintage condition, with the natural imperfections of handcrafted ceramics and time. No cracks or repairs
PERFECT FOR
· Collectors of Italian ceramic and Sesto Fiorentino production
· Enthusiasts of Neo-Baroque and Rococo revival style
· Those seeking a rare, authentic piece with original maker's mark
SHIPPING
Express shipping with professional packaging.
Sold by MireilleBoutique
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