Oil Lamp, Green Metallic Lustre, Stylized Owl, Ateliers Of Galileo Or Aug. Chini, C. 1925

Ateliers of Galileo or Augusto Chini, Fornaci San Lorenzo, circa 1925

This refined oil lamp is made of molded ceramic with a vibrant green metallic lustre glaze, a hallmark of the Fornaci San Lorenzo workshops in the 1920s. The compact form features two open spouts, an arched perforated handle, floral reliefs, and—on the underside—a stylized owl composed of spiraling lines and abstract curves, blending natural motifs with decorative abstraction.

Dimensions: H 13 cm × W 18 cm × D 14.5 cm

Mark under the base: Fornaci San Lorenzo – Chini & C. – Mugello, with model number 6292 / 19

Condition: good, with a minor chip on one spout

The owl, symbol of night and wisdom, was a beloved motif in Art Nouveau and Symbolist design. Here it is integrated seamlessly into the object’s form, enhanced by the luminous glaze that accentuates its volume and visual impact.

This piece is attributed to Galileo Chini (1873–1956), master of Italian Liberty style, or his relative Augusto Chini (1904–1998), who joined the workshops in the 1920s as a modeller and sculptor. The stylistic coherence, fine craftsmanship and symbolic detailing place this lamp firmly within the most expressive and refined ceramic production of the Chini ateliers.

A similar piece is housed at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence (inv. 1943 M), attributed to Galileo Chini’s workshop.

Relevant literature:

– La ceramica delle Fornaci San Lorenzo, Museo del Bargello

– S. Borsi, Galileo Chini. Ceramiche e arredi, Silvana Editoriale

– M. Vannucci, Le fornaci del Mugello, Edizioni Polistampa

A rare and striking object, merging Liberty elegance with Symbolist iconography, and a fine example of early 20th-century Tuscan ceramic art.