Mid-Century Ceramic Cheetah by Giovanni Ronzan

A Mid-Century Cermaic Cheetah by Giovanni Ronzan. Numbered 1454 with 'Made in Italy' to underside. Dimensions: H 44cm W 33cm D 22cm Origin: Italian Date: Circa 1960 Ceramiche Ronzan was founded in Turin, Italy, in 1939 by brothers Giovanni, Giuseppe, and Antonio Ronzan. Giovanni previously served as the chief painter and ceramic modeller at the prestigious Lenci factory, heavily influencing the brand's meticulous hand-painted details and high-gloss glazes. To escape wartime bombings in 1942, the brothers relocated their primary production to Bassano del Grappa, a region renowned for its rich ceramic heritage. The factory became globally famous during the 1960s for its striking, life-sized "fireside" wildlife sculptures—particularly big cats like cheetahs and leopards—which became iconic symbols of Hollywood Regency and mid-century luxury decor. Celebrated for over half a century for its masterfully sculpted earthenware and porcelain figurines, the historic workshop ultimately closed its doors in 1996. Item Number: 2207261