Bagni Ceramiche, 22.75cm

I’m lucky enough to have a wonderful, very large antiques show near me which sets up every two months or so. When I first started attending ten years ago, I would wander the floor for two hours and maybe find three or four pieces of (usually overpriced or damaged) Mid-Century European ceramics – a sad result for such a sizable show. The last two years, however, have seen a considerable uptick in not only the quantity but quality of pieces on display. While there is still a vast knowledge gap regarding identification of pieces from this era, sellers are getting better at knowing what they have – sort of. The piece shown here was sitting on a table manned by a very experienced dealer, but one who specializes in Art Deco. I spotted the piece, asked about it and was told it was a recent purchase. It was Italian, he added. Imagine my surprise when I picked it up to find a crude piece of duct tape across the bottom with the words “Alvino Bagel” on it! When I explained the last name was actually Bagni, the dealer laughed and explained the tape had been placed there by the prior owner. Despite the misspelling, it was most definitely a Bagni: The stamped “Italy” on the bottom rim, as well as images I had previously come across showing the same vase with a Raymor label coded BAG (for Bagni), made the identification a certainty. Now if I can only find a decent bagel where I live…