Description: Incredible and Rare Early c1930s Gio Ponti (Milan, 1891-1979) for Richard Ginori Porcelain Figural Book Shaped Paperweight Depicting Fascist Maxim or Motto with Mussolini Signature. This stunning and very uncommon book shaped paperweight boasts polychrome painted details of a bow and arrow on one page and the Fascist maxim or motto “…noi tireremo diritto…” which translates to “we will shoot straight” or “we will go straight”, as well as Benito Mussolini’s Signature on the other page. “noi tireremo diritto” is a phrase spoken by Benito Mussolini from the balcony in Piazza Venezia during his speech on September 8, 1935. Later it also became the title of a song which describes Italy as a perfectly self-sufficient country. Base is signed “RICHARD GINORI 36-6” and “453”. A must have for collectors of Gio Ponti, Italian Porcelain, Paperweights, Mussolini, or the National Fascist Party. I’ve only seen one or two others like it come up for sale in the last 15 years! The piece is in wonderful original condition with no chips or cracks and showing only minor signs of wear and age to the painted details. Please see all photos for best idea of condition. It measures 3 1/2” long x 2 1/4” wide x 5/8” tall. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail. Some more history on Gio Ponti: “Designer: Gio Ponti Gio (Giovanni) Ponti was born in Milan in 1891, and graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic in 1921. In 1923 he participated in the 1st Biennial of Decorative Arts held at the ISIA in Monza and was subsequently involved in the organization of the various Triennials, both in Monza and in Milan. In the 1920s, Richard Ginori began his activity as a designer in the ceramic industry, and overall re-elaborated the industrial design strategy of the company; with ceramics he won the "Gran Prix" in 1925. In recent years his production is more based on classical themes and is close to the twentieth century movement. In the same years he also began his publishing activity: in 1928 he founded the magazine Domus. It will represent the center of the cultural debate of Italian architecture and design of the second half of the twentieth century. Ponti's activity extended in the 1930s: he organized the V Triennale di Milano in 1933, designed the sets and costumes for the Teatro alla Scala, and participated in the ADI Industrial Design Association, being one of the supporters of the award " Compasso d'oro "promoted by the La Rinascente warehouses. Among other things, he receives numerous national and international awards. In 1951, both Ponti's design and architecture became more innovative, abandoning the frequent links to the neoclassical past. It is here that the period of most intense and fruitful activity both in architecture and design begins, in fact, in the fifties, some of his most important works will be realized.”
Price: 950 USD
Location: Thornwood, New York
End Time: 2024-07-27T03:11:11.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Artist: Gio Ponti
Pattern: Figural Book
Signed By: Richard Ginori
Signed: Yes
Material: Porcelain
Year Manufactured: c1930s
Subject: Book
Brand: Richard Ginori
Type: Paperweight
Era: Early 20th Century (1911-1940)
Theme: Gio Ponti, Italy, Porcelain, Book, Paperweight, Mussolini, Fascism, Fascist Maxim
Original/Reproduction: Original
Features: Signed, Hand Painted, Fascist Maxim, Mussolini
Time Period Manufactured: 1930-1939
Country/Region of Manufacture: Italy
Character Family: Mussolini