Carlo Alberto Rossi 'Bucchero' pottery sculpture / pencil holder attributed to Gio Ponti. Mid-20th century, Italy. Manufactured by Carlo Alberto Rossi after a design attributed to Gio Ponti. Very stylistic and elegant. Can be used as a decorative object, or as a handy pencil holder on your desk. The ceramic gets its characteristic black color through a special process in which the oxygen is removed from the red clay. So no paint or varnish is used. This is a technique that dates back to the Etruscans. Many works by Carlo Alberto Rossi and his brother - with whom he collaborated - have the characteristic black color. The Rossi brothers collaborated with the famous architect and designer Gio Ponti. Several of his designs including this head were executed in the Rossi's studio. The collaboration was a great success. Some of the works were also shown at the IX Triennale of Milan in 1951. Please note we have a selection of 'Bucchero' heads by C. A. Rossi available.