The meticulous use and combination of colors, rendered with a remarkable mastery of glazes, creating powerful hues and images; these are the elements that reflect the artistry of Ivo Lazzaretti - known as Lazzaro; the creator of Modigliani’s new Sogno Toscano (Tuscan Dream) pattern.

A simple and joyful language, attentive to nature, Lazzaro uses his brush strokes to enhance the beautifully shaped fired clay pieces. A graduate of the Villaggio School of Art in 1961, Lazzaro began his career at a ceramic studio near Florence that had its beginnings in the early 1900s, and where he was influenced by artists such as Bruno Bagnoli, Vanni, Castellani; and the acclaimed Antonio Manzi, under whom he apprenticed.

Lazzaro’s work can be identified in 3 main categories; the ‘Naif’ style started at the end of the 70s, characterized by naïve figures in bright colors. This was followed by a period of experimentation with various glazing techniques focusing on tableware in which the colors generated by the unique Tuscan sun are captured. The third category is Lazzzaro’s ‘Navajo’ style in which the work consists of ancient figures in a poetic and magical atmosphere. Parallel to these three distinct periods, Lazzaro’s artistic ability can be appreciated in the series of vases with floral decorations inspired by upholstery material from the English “Liberty” period.

The Sogno Toscano pattern was commissioned by Modigliani, Italian Design, in conjunction with an exhibition at the Museo de Montelupo honoring Lazzaro’s forty years as a ceramist.