Cantagalli Majolica Vase with Serpent-Shaped Handles and Claws – 1950s
A rare and characterful piece of Italian majolica – a small Cantagalli vase, where each side tells its own story.
The hand-decorated ceramic is executed with a vibrant, painterly ornamentation in shades of cobalt blue, green, yellow, and pink. On one side, an Italian landscape unfolds with trees, mountains, and architecture, while another side displays an evocative Italian village. The sculptural, serpentine handles and three shaped feet give the vase an almost theatrical expression.
With its compact size of approx. 15 cm, it is a decorative collectible piece that works beautifully on its own on a shelf, a console table, or among other selected ceramic works. Original details and the hand-painted variation make it a piece that invites exploration.
Selected with a focus on craftsmanship, Italian design history, characterful details, and objects with a strong visual narrative.
History & context — read more ▾
Cantagalli was a Florentine ceramic manufactory that became famous for its artistic majolica works and its fascination with Italian Renaissance ceramics. The factory's characteristic cock—the so-called cockerel or rooster mark—became a well-known hallmark of its production. The name Cantagalli itself plays on the words "canta" and "gallo," meaning the singing rooster.
This vase is marked on the underside with the Cantagalli rooster, "ITALY," as well as the pattern code U/34. It is dated to the 1950s and represents the later part of Cantagalli's long tradition of reinterpreting historical Italian majolica forms and decorations. The hand-painted ornamentation continues all the way around the shape, allowing the vase to be experienced from multiple sides.
About the designer — read more ▾
The vase was produced by Manifattura Cantagalli in Florence, Italy. Cantagalli became particularly known for ceramic works that drew inspiration from Italian Renaissance majolica and historical ceramic traditions. The factory's signature with the singing rooster became a characteristic mark for its production.
It is not possible based on the available information to identify the individual ceramicist or painter behind this particular vase. It is precisely part of the charm of the Cantagalli manufactory that the artistic works were created in a workshop environment with many different decorators.
Details
Type: Majolica vase / decorative jar
Manufacturer: Manifattura Cantagalli, Florence, Italy
Material: Hand-painted majolica / ceramic
Period: 1950s
Markings: Cantagalli rooster, “ITALY” and U/34
Decoration: Italian landscape motifs
Handles: Sculptural, serpentine-shaped handles
Feet: Three shaped, sculptural feet
Lid: Original
Dimensions
Height: approx. 15 cm
Width: approx. 15 cm
Condition
Good vintage condition with minor age-related wear on the feet. No chips, cracks, or repairs observed. As with vintage ceramics, minor variations and traces of age and craftsmanship are to be expected.
We always describe the condition as accurately as possible and the pictures are part of the description.
Minor signs of use and patina are a natural part of vintage items and contribute to their character and authenticity.
Please contact us for further information or additional pictures.
We offer delivery throughout Denmark.
Smaller items are sent by freight, while larger furniture is individually priced depending on size and delivery address.
Please contact us for a freight estimate, or read more here:
Read more about delivery & collection →
Collection in Stege is also possible by appointment.
We recommend gentle cleaning and care adapted to the material.
Avoid harsh chemicals to preserve the surface and patina.
→ See our guide to vintage furniture care
All items at NITUSH are hand-picked vintage finds. Items are pre-owned or vintage, unless otherwise stated.
Minor patina and signs of wear are a natural part of the item's history.
We strive to describe and display all items as accurately as possible – the pictures are therefore an important part of the description and should be reviewed carefully.
As many items are unique finds, exchanges are generally not offered.
Colors may be perceived differently depending on screen and lighting conditions, and may therefore deviate slightly from what is shown.
If you have any questions about the item, please do not hesitate to contact us.
A rare and characterful piece of Italian majolica – a small Cantagalli vase, where each side tells its own story.
The hand-decorated ceramic is executed with a vibrant, painterly ornamentation in shades of cobalt blue, green, yellow, and pink. On one side, an Italian landscape unfolds with trees, mountains, and architecture, while another side displays an evocative Italian village. The sculptural, serpentine handles and three shaped feet give the vase an almost theatrical expression.
With its compact size of approx. 15 cm, it is a decorative collectible piece that works beautifully on its own on a shelf, a console table, or among other selected ceramic works. Original details and the hand-painted variation make it a piece that invites exploration.
Selected with a focus on craftsmanship, Italian design history, characterful details, and objects with a strong visual narrative.
History & context — read more ▾
Cantagalli was a Florentine ceramic manufactory that became famous for its artistic majolica works and its fascination with Italian Renaissance ceramics. The factory's characteristic cock—the so-called cockerel or rooster mark—became a well-known hallmark of its production. The name Cantagalli itself plays on the words "canta" and "gallo," meaning the singing rooster.
This vase is marked on the underside with the Cantagalli rooster, "ITALY," as well as the pattern code U/34. It is dated to the 1950s and represents the later part of Cantagalli's long tradition of reinterpreting historical Italian majolica forms and decorations. The hand-painted ornamentation continues all the way around the shape, allowing the vase to be experienced from multiple sides.
About the designer — read more ▾
The vase was produced by Manifattura Cantagalli in Florence, Italy. Cantagalli became particularly known for ceramic works that drew inspiration from Italian Renaissance majolica and historical ceramic traditions. The factory's signature with the singing rooster became a characteristic mark for its production.
It is not possible based on the available information to identify the individual ceramicist or painter behind this particular vase. It is precisely part of the charm of the Cantagalli manufactory that the artistic works were created in a workshop environment with many different decorators.
Details
Type: Majolica vase / decorative jar
Manufacturer: Manifattura Cantagalli, Florence, Italy
Material: Hand-painted majolica / ceramic
Period: 1950s
Markings: Cantagalli rooster, “ITALY” and U/34
Decoration: Italian landscape motifs
Handles: Sculptural, serpentine-shaped handles
Feet: Three shaped, sculptural feet
Lid: Original
Dimensions
Height: approx. 15 cm
Width: approx. 15 cm
Condition
Good vintage condition with minor age-related wear on the feet. No chips, cracks, or repairs observed. As with vintage ceramics, minor variations and traces of age and craftsmanship are to be expected.
We always describe the condition as accurately as possible and the pictures are part of the description.
Minor signs of use and patina are a natural part of vintage items and contribute to their character and authenticity.
Please contact us for further information or additional pictures.
We offer delivery throughout Denmark.
Smaller items are sent by freight, while larger furniture is individually priced depending on size and delivery address.
Please contact us for a freight estimate, or read more here:
Read more about delivery & collection →
Collection in Stege is also possible by appointment.
We recommend gentle cleaning and care adapted to the material.
Avoid harsh chemicals to preserve the surface and patina.
→ See our guide to vintage furniture care
All items at NITUSH are hand-picked vintage finds. Items are pre-owned or vintage, unless otherwise stated.
Minor patina and signs of wear are a natural part of the item's history.
We strive to describe and display all items as accurately as possible – the pictures are therefore an important part of the description and should be reviewed carefully.
As many items are unique finds, exchanges are generally not offered.
Colors may be perceived differently depending on screen and lighting conditions, and may therefore deviate slightly from what is shown.
If you have any questions about the item, please do not hesitate to contact us.