Italian Majolica Tortoise Stool - 1950

A wonderfully whimsical mid-20th century Italian majolica tortoise stool, crafted with exceptional sculptural detail and preserved entirely in its original condition. Pieces of this scale and charm—especially untouched—are increasingly hard to find, making this an especially desirable example of playful Italian ceramic design.

The tortoise is rendered with beautifully hand-modeled features: expressive eyes, softly articulated legs, and a deeply relief-carved shell that showcases the artist’s sensitivity to form. The glaze is a warm ivory-stone hue with natural majolica crackling throughout, creating depth and quiet luminosity. Subtle tonal variations highlight the shell pattern, enhancing the tactile quality and giving the piece its irresistible presence.

Atop the shell sits the original tufted cushion, finished with its original decorative cording and small tassels at each corner. The cushion’s gentle wear is consistent with its age and authenticity, and the combination of soft textile atop a sculptural ceramic base feels distinctly mid-century Italian—equal parts fanciful and refined.

This stool functions beautifully as an accent seat, footstool, or decorative sculptural object. It evokes the spirit of mid-century Italian fantasy ceramics and the enduring appeal of zoomorphic furniture, making it a standout piece in any collected interior.

Details

• Origin: Italy
• Date: Mid-20th century
• Material: Glazed majolica ceramic with original tufted cushion
• Dimensions: 18” H × 14” D × 22” L
• Condition:
  Completely original. No chips, no repairs, no replaced parts. Natural craquelure and gentle patina consistent with mid-century age. Structurally sound and displays beautifully.

Provenance

Private collection, Italy.