Unknown Italian maker, poss. Bagni Ceramiche, both 24.75cm and marked “Italy 304”

In early April 2019, I had the good fortune to spend a week in Rome. I had planned to travel outside of the city, but Rome and all its charms entranced me so much I never left. It was the perfect time to see the city: The weather was mild and purple wisteria was blooming everywhere, most prominently on the ancient sites of the Forum and Circus Maximus. Their sight and scent were a wonder to behold; seeing them today brings the memory of my trip right back. I wonder if the designer of these two brothers (whom I have seen attributed to Alvino Bagni) was motivated by my same experience. Purple was not a popular color in mid-century Italian ceramics (Marcello Fantoni used it, but sparingly), so I imagine the designer required some inspiration to make such a bold statement. Perhaps he too, strolled through Rome in the 60s at the same time I did — but instead of only taking pictures, he used his hands to bring the wisteria to life through ceramics. Not a bad way to enjoy the magic of spring outside of the season, I think.