***THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD***
Emanuele Luzzati
Stairtower Ceramic Ensemble
Set P

Items from SS STELLA SOLARIS (ex CAMBODGE)

Measurements: Approximately 90 Inches Tall by 40 Inches Wide
Ivory Colored Ceramics With Accents of Gold, Red, Turquoise and Copper
Approximately 25 Pieces
(Some Damaged)
Price: ***THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD***

Top, the gathering from top and bottom perspectives, respectively. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2005. Above, the ensemble as it appeared on the ship, courtesy of Paolo Piccione.

The lovely STELLA SOLARIS departing Piraeus in 1997. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1997.

Sun Line's SS STELLA SOLARIS was the final ship designed by Nino Zoncada, the underrated longtime collaborator of Gio Ponti. Zoncada's ships were among the most beautifully decorated examples of their era. Whether it be the dining room staircase of the refitted CONTE GRANDE, the elliptical Ambra Lounge on the EUGENIO C, or the plushly modern OCEANIC, his work was elegant, understated, chic, and "homey". No exception to the high standards of Zoncada, STELLA SOLARIS was among the most popular cruise ships of her time. She boasted spacious cabins, large airy public rooms with high ceilings, and artwork by Luzzati depicting ancient Greek and Minoan life and legend.

Two warriors do battle. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2005.

This one, unfortunately, was not thoroughly documented. However, it is missing at least eight pieces and suffered more damage than the others, perhaps with the exception of the unlettered set. It would probably be best displayed in smaller parts as there are still some wonderful bits to be enjoyed here. It is very symmetrical in composition with matching figures on each side. It seems to be about two dueling kingdoms or families. The focal point seems to be the two warriors toward the center bottom.

The STELLA SOLARIS five forward stairtower landings each sported two of these sets, one in either corner, making a total of ten in all, beautifully lit from recesses in the paneling. Of these ten magnificent ensembles, seven are currently available.

Gotta include the bio in case some are entering via this page, so please skip down if you have read it already. Emanuele Luzzati was born in Genoa in 1921. He studied at L'Ecôle Des Belles Artes in Lausanne, Switzerland, obtaining his diploma in 1944. His artististry would span a wide gamut of media in the ensuing decades from ceramics, painting, sculpture, children's books, and even animated film features (his collaborations with Guilio Gianni received two Oscar nominations). Luzzati was a first choice among a distinguished list of artists whose work would be displayed on the Italian ships of state. He created ceramic panels, paintings, tapestries, and sculpture for the most famous designers of the day, from Gio Ponti to Gustavo Pulitzer Finale and Nino Zoncada. The ships which carried his work include: CONTE BIANCAMANO, CONTE GRANDE, ANDREA DORIA, FEDERICO C, HOMERIC (Home Lines), GRIPSHOLM (1957), VICTORIA (Incres), EUGENIO C, OCEANIC (Home Lines), LEONARDO DA VINCI, STELLA OCEANIS, AUSONIA (Adriatica), STELLA SOLARIS, and scores of others.

Mr. Luzzati currently lives in Genoa where there is a gallery and museum dedicated to his works. His ceramics, bas-reliefs, and sculptures are among his most sought after creations