Gio Colucci (Italian, 1892-1974) - Modernist Glazed Earthenware Pitcher, Signed (c. 1941)

Gio Colucci (Italian, 1892-1974) - Modernist Glazed Earthenware Pitcher, Signed (c. 1941). White glazed earthenware pitcher with octopus-like sucker detailing on the handle. Incised with the artist’s signature in the bottom with the original auction label. In very good condition with wear consistent with age.

Size: 6.25”H x 7”W x 4.5”D

Colucci, painter, sculptor, ceramist was born in Florence. In 1911, he studied architecture at the Fine Art School in Paris.

Colucci settles in Cairo in 1914 where he works as an architect. In 1917, he gives up architecture and begins painting. 

Back in Paris in 1919, Colucci exhibits at the Allard Gallery. In 1921 and 1923, he participates in the Salon d’Automne and in the Salon des Surindépendants with Gleizes, Herbin, Duchamp-Villon.

In 1924 and 1925, he executes many etchings for books written by Pierre Loti, Barbey d’Aurevilly and Gustave Mirbeau.

In 1929, Gio Colucci exhibits at the Vavin-Raspail Gallery. He takes part in 1939 in the  ‘Groupe Eclectique’ with Béothy, Freunlich, Gonzalez, Metsinger and Survage at the Berthe Weill Gallery.

Colucci joins the Foreign Legion in 1940 as a volunteer. He escapes from capture in 1941 taking refuge in Provence.  It is here where he picks up pottery. 

Colucci returns to Paris in 1945 and exhibits his ceramic works at the Christofle Gallery. In 1947, he takes part in the Salon des Décorateurs in Paris, and exhibits in 1952 at the Vallauris Museum in Provence. The same year the Odéon Gallery exhibits his polychromed sculptures.

In 1954, Colucci participates in the Salon des Indépendants at the Grand Palais Museum where he shows sculptures and ceramics. Gio Colucci takes part in the third Biennale dedicated to sculpture in 1955 in Antwerp, Belgium.

In 1956, Colucci founded with the help of Gino Severini the Italian School of Arts and in 1959, a retrospective is held at the Juster’s Gallery in New York as well as at the Rodin Museum in Paris. A retrospective of his work is organized in New York in 1963.

The Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris exhibits several polychrome wood-based sculptures, ceramics but also painted Arcopal glass by Colucci.