Sculptural ceramic side table by Salvatore Meli, Italy 1950s

Important sculptural table by Salvatore Meli (Comiso 1929 - Rome 2011), Italy 1953. Meli studied at the Academia di Belle Arte in Florence and became a significant figure in the Italian post war art movement. Meli's work stands in-between the poles of painting and sculpture. The table stands out in its bold and outspoken zoomorphic shape, surrealistic drawings and its large scale. An abstracted coyote can be recognized in the sculpture, it's decorated with surrealistic drawings reminiscent of Old Greek drawings, organic ornamental decoration, the hand with the all-seeing eye and fishes are drawn on the surface. The table is shaped out of terracotta finished with a matte and glossy glaze. Signed: Meli Roma. In excellent condition.