Vintage Universal Statuary Corp Hollywood Regency Chalkware Cherubs Centerpiece
This is a rare find... For consideration is a vintage Hollywood Regency chalkware centerpiece or fruit bowl by Universal Statuary Corp. Dating to the late 1960s and signed by the artist, William Marotta, the dark bronze metallic glazed chalkware pedestal depicting two cherubs harvesting grapes supports a fabulous composite resin diamond point cubist style bowl. Impressive in size, the centerpiece stands approximately 13" on a 6.5" diameter felted base with the bowl measuring 9.5 in diameter. Occasional and random specks of paint loss and a few tiny nicks commonly associated vintage chalkware with can be seen, but there is nothing severe or distracting.
Moderate staining is also present to the interior bottom of the bowl from prior use and is likely impermeable. Otherwise the condition is very good with no chips, cracks, prior repairs, or other compromising imperfections found. The bowl is secured in place by a small brass bolt and will easily detach from the base for easy cleaning or storage.
Wear is commensurate with age and history of use so please review the photos as they are a descriptive part of the listing. A unique rarity with classic Hollywood Regency and Italian design elements that harkens back to the glamour of the 1960s. The Universal Statuary Corporation of Chicago was started by the Lucchesi family who began producing traditional Italian designs out of plaster/chalkware around late 1930's. Jack and Leo Luecchesi were brothers who operated the business. Jack's wife was from Guatemala and he made a concerted effort to bring as many immigrants from that part of the world as possible and give them a start. He also sponsored many Italian immigrants to work in the family factory. Universal was also famous for the contract work performed for Sears, Wards and many big advertising firms for their unique'Point of Sale' displays and promotions. They went out of business in 1989 and their work is becoming scarce and difficult to find. We welcome your questions and are delighted to answer!This item is in the category "Collectibles\Vintage, Retro, Mid-Century\1960s". The seller is "winstonandco-antiques-decor" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, Japan, China, Sweden, Korea, South, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Africa, Thailand, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bahamas, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Croatia, Republic of, Malaysia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts-Nevis, Saint Lucia, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands, Barbados, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei Darussalam, Bolivia, Egypt, French Guiana, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Luxembourg, Monaco, Macau, Martinique, Maldives, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Reunion, Uruguay.
- Item Type: Centerpiece
- Height: 13 in
- Handmade: Yes
- Width: 9.5 in
- Modified Item: No
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
- Vintage: Yes
- Signed By: William Marotta
- Brand: Universal Statuary Corp.
- Color: Gold
- Composition: Chalkware, Composition Resin
- Item: Bowl
- Signed: Yes
- Object Type: Centerpiece Bowl
- Time Period Manufactured: 1960s
- Style: Hollywood Regency