Italian Hand-Painted Crescent Dish – Attributed to I.C.A.V. Giordano Vietri

- Length: 22.3 cm
- Width: 15.7 cm
- Height: 2.8 cm

- Very Good - The crescent plate is in very good overall condition, with minor glaze imperfections typical of handmade pottery.
- Markings: Handwritten "1500|F ITALY" on the underside.
- No Factory Backstamp: While the design matches confirmed I.C.A.V. Giordano Vietri examples, this piece does not bear an official manufacturer’s stamp.
- The attribution is based on design consistency and stylistic comparison.

1. Design & Features:
- Distinct Crescent Shape: This plate is perfect as a decorative accent or small serving tray.
- Folkloric Hand-Painted Motif: A stylised deer with exaggerated antlers, surrounded by a floral bloom, a star-like motif, a shell and bold geometric foliage.
- Signature Vietri Colour Palette: Rich emerald green with deep black outlines on a white ceramic base, finished with a glossy glaze.
- Scalloped Rim with Dotted Border: A classic feature in handmade Vietri ceramics.

2. About I.C.A.V. Giordano Vietri & Attribution:
- This piece closely resembles known works by I.C.A.V. (Industria Ceramica Artistica Vietrese) Giordano, a respected mid-century ceramics workshop in Vietri sul Mare.
- The Giordano family was among the prominent ceramists of the era, producing expressive, hand-painted designs that blended Mediterranean, Moorish, and Italian folk art influences.
- Many I.C.A.V. Giordano Vietri pieces bear an official backstamp, but some—like this one—were instead marked with a numerical code and "Italy".

3. Why Doesn’t This Dish Have the I.C.A.V. Giordano Vietri Stamp?
- The absence of a printed factory stamp on this piece is not unusual for Vietri ceramics from this period. There are several possible reasons why this dish has a handwritten “1500|F ITALY” instead of an official I.C.A.V. mark:

- Export Regulations & Market-Specific Markings:
During the mid-20th century, Italian ceramics destined for export markets (especially the U.S.) were often marked simply with "Italy" rather than a full factory name.
Some manufacturers also used coded numbering systems to catalog designs, making it easier to track production without individual stamping.

- Artisan vs. Factory Production:
Many Vietri ceramicists worked in small workshop settings, where marking consistency was not always maintained.
Handwritten markings—especially numerical design codes—were common on one-off or limited-production items.
Variations in I.C.A.V. Marking Practices:

- While many Giordano Vietri pieces bear a stamped or painted factory mark, some documented pieces from the same period have only handwritten numbering.
- This suggests that different production batches were marked in varied ways, depending on their intended destination or purpose.

4. Important Disclaimer:
- This item is attributed to I.C.A.V. Giordano Vietri based on its design, colour scheme, and stylistic elements that align with known examples.
- However, since there is no factory backstamp, the attribution is based on comparison rather than definitive proof.

5. Uses & Versatility:
- Serving Tray: Ideal for serving small appetizers, olives, nuts, or condiments.
- Decorative Accent: A striking piece for display on a shelf, sideboard, or kitchen wall.
- Jewellery or Trinket Holder: A unique way to store rings, earrings, or small accessories.
- Desk or Entryway Dish: Holds keys, coins, or office supplies with vintage charm.
- Collector’s Piece: A fine example of Vietri sul Mare pottery, suitable for collectors of Italian ceramics.