Vintage Decorative Porcelain Lavabo in a Miniature Size Made in Italy

Mini white porcelain lavabo for wall decor by Antonio Zen, Nove, Italy (see history below).  The lavabo consists of the traditional three pieces: basin, reservoir with spout, and lid.  This is strictly a decorative piece; the spout is nonfunctional.  The lavabo is made of white porcelain with applied flowers throughout and both incised and raised decorative elements, such as C-scrolls, scallops and swirls.  The basin has a scalloped edge and two holes on the back wall for hanging.  It measures 8″ across along the top edge x 5″ tall and projects approximately 3.25″ from the mounting surface.  The reservoir has the same scalloped edge along the top, a metal spout at the bottom and two holes on the back wall for hanging.  It measures 7.5″ long x 4″ across and projects approximately 3.25″ from the mounting surface.  The lid is topped by a plume-like or shell-like design and measures 2.5″ tall x 2.75″ across.  As configured in the first three images, the overall length is approx. 16″.  Both the basin and reservoir are marked A.Z. Nove; this style mark was used between 1960 and 1980.  The lavabo comes from the estate of an antiques collector who used to display both artificial flowers and at one time real flowers and/or live plants as evidenced by the stain inside the basin.  See photos.  Outstanding vintage condition with no damage.

HISTORY (from online sources): Son to Venetian ceramist Giovanni Battista Zen, Antonio was born in Nove, province of Vicenza, in 1871.  He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts and School of Ceramics in Nove.  In 1885 he opened the ceramic factory “G.B. Zen & Figlio,” with his father.  After his father’s death, Antonio Zen became the factory owner, he associated with Demetrio Primon, expanded the factory and changed its name to “A. Zen Ceramiche.”  In 1914 he was appointed mayor of Nove city. In the 1930s, after his son Giovanni Battista joined the company, the business name became “A. Zen & Figlio.”  The factory had approximately 70 employees, three electrical and three wood-fired kilns. A large part of the production was exported to Americas. He was a highly skilled ceramist and sculptor of remarkable reputation; his works are displayed in many exhibitions, both in Italy and abroad.  Some of his works are exhibited at trade fairs in Padua, Milan, Barcelona, etc. Antonio Zen died in Nove in 1944. 

SHIPPING: $9.99 flat rate shipping valid only for street addresses within contiguous United States; we cannot deliver to post office boxes.  For shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and elsewhere, please contact us with your location for a custom shipping quote.

A WORD ABOUT VINTAGE: Our inventory consists of vintage or antique items which are more than 20 years old, usually used or pre-owned, unless marked “new old stock.”  As such, there may be signs of wear and age, which we will disclose to the best of our ability.  Nevertheless, we encourage you to carefully read the description and view the photos, especially when purchasing a gift.  All items ship with tracking and insurance, and although we do not accept returns, we will offer a refund in case of breakage or damage during transit, upon receipt of sufficient proof. 

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