Vintage Italian Castelli Pottery Umbrella Stand Signed L. Pardi

What a beautiful piece of Castelli Italian pottery. This umbrella stand is signed ” Made in Italy M1 L. Pardi “. It was made in the hillside town of Castelli which is just a short drive from Bascianella over the mountains to just under Mount Camicia. Castelli is home to one of Italy’s most well-known crafts. One of its defining characteristics is the brilliant white opaque surface which is obtained with a tin glaze. The designs are painted on the unfired glaze so it absorbs the pigments and preserves the intensity. Their “pentacromia” (5 colors – yellow, green, blue, orange and manganese brown) designs of flowers, plants, landscapes, the sun, moon, coats of arm, icons, etc. are then wood fired 2 more times. Castelli pottery has been commissioned by some of Italy’s most noted nobles throughout the centuries. This umbrella stand has the typical gorgeous brilliant white background glaze with a beautiful iconic Italian design of fruits, (pears, grapes, peaches) and vines. Created as an umbrella stand but would make an incredible monumental vase! This wonderful piece is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks or chiggers. We believe this particular piece to be circa 1980.