Gio Ponti was appointed artistic director of Richard Ginori from 1923 to 1930. Richard Ginori was formed in 1896 after the Ginori family business dating back to 1735 - with a factory located in Doccia near Florence - was assimilated by the Società Ceramica Richard of Milan.
Ponti’s role was to overhaul the business, which he did by introducing mass-production, but without sacrificing quality, and by creating new ranges. At the heart of his business was the belief in the relationship between art and industry and a desire to reinvigorate the Italian nation through great design.
Inspiration came from the rich Italian heritage and was transposed into a modern aesthetic idiom that was graphic in manner using lines and varied tonality. The forms of his pieces were simple, and he kept the surfaces smooth and clean, though on occasion introduced some decorative features in relief. Decorative motifs were drawn from a wide range of sources including the ancient world and architecture that nurtured a strong sense of national identity.
