VINTAGE & COLLECTIBLE CERAMICS Bust – Hooded Figure, Italy

Curated vintage Italian bust | Private Collection
This vintage Italian terracotta bust presents a hooded figure in a moment of quiet introspection. Handcrafted and shaped in warm, earthen tones, the surface reveals a soft patina that speaks to age, touch, and time—hallmarks of Italy’s long sculptural tradition.

The form is restrained and expressive. Gently modeled facial features emerge from beneath the draped hood, while the subtle folds of terracotta create depth through shadow rather than ornament. The classical pedestal base grounds the sculpture, suggesting an object once intended for contemplation—likely inspired by religious or allegorical works common in Italian studios and ateliers.

Made in Italy, this piece reflects regional traditions of terracotta sculpture, where handwork, material honesty, and individuality were valued over uniformity. Produced in small workshops, such works were shaped slowly, with variations embraced as part of the process rather than corrected.

There are small imperfections of this piece that testify that it is actually an artisanal product from a curated collection.

Details

• Handcrafted in Italy

• Vintage terracotta sculpture

• Sculptural bust with pedestal base

• Natural patina and variations consistent with age and handcraft

Handcrafted in Italy.

Italian ceramics are heirloom quality products, and can last lifetime with proper care. We have some suggestions that will preserve your majolica for years to come.

Majolica is dishwasher safe, but many people choose to hand wash their pieces as a precaution. Because majolica is a porous material, some pieces are not meant to hold liquid for a long period of time. Check for warning labels before ordering a product, as the pieces that are most notorious for "sweating" are appropriately labeled.

Majolica is sensitive to extreme temperatures, specifically boiling or freezing liquids. Pouring water with a rolling boil directly into a teapot, for example, may lead to breakage. To avoid this, temper the object. The industry standard is 620 degrees Celsius (1,148 degrees Fahrenheit). Quench the glass to cool it.

Crazing is common in well used majolica. The tiny cracks in the glaze do not affect the functionality of your majolica.

Majolica hand-crafted products should not be microwaved, as it may crack and/or break the ceramics.

UPS Ground

Flat shipping charge of $10 for each shipment of merchandise under $100.00. For orders of $100.00 or more, shipping is 10% of the order total.

UPS Next Day Air

Flat shipping charge of $63 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 90% of the order total.

UPS 2-Day Priority (Rush Shipping)

Flat shipping charge of $42 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 60% of the order total. Note: This option is required for shipping to Alaska and Hawaii.

USPS 3-Day Priority

Flat shipping charge of $21 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 30% of the order total.

International Shipments

Please contact us at customerservice@biordi.com or call us at (415) 392-8096 for quotes to ship internationally.

You will be charged a rate based on your delivery area, value and shipping preference. For items shipped via UPS, see below for information pricing information. Once the package is shipped, you will receive an email with tracking information to track your package.