VINTAGE 1950s Imported from Italy Very Hard to find! Over 1,000$ was paid when this was imported. My neighbor is selling most of his collection, I have all the mint condition Antonio Borsato Imported Italian Figurines Coming up for sell ASAP. Check my many other listings for more wonderful pieces. ANTONIO BORSATO PORCELAIN FIGURINE "Knife Sharpener" This work of art was created by Italian porcelain Artist Antonio Borsato (1905 - 1981) "A. Borsato" stamped on back base. Bottom is covered in felt for easy and safe display. It is in excellent condition no crack of chips or losses. First produced in the early 1970's. The young boy is watching his father grind a knife while he appears to be eating a small loaf of bread. Very unique detail of the grinder with a metal knife in his hand and a pump petal at his right foot. A pulley (string) then is attached to the grinder shaft and the wheel. Next to his hand is a tank for water to go onto the grinder wheel and this has a metal spout attached to it. The shaft on the metal grinder is also metal.Behind the boy is an axe which I suppose is ready to be sharpened. This ax is also metal. A bottle of vino or water is inside the mans jacket hanging on the grinder cart. Finally, the dog is snoozing between the two of them. Overall, a most unique piece. Note the expression on the grinders face as well as the serene look on the boys face. Measuring 8 inches in height, 8 inches in width and 7 inches deep. This figurine is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks. Think of the time it took to sculpt this figure from clay, then make the many molds to accept the slip. Then extract these individual pieces from the molds and assemble then on the base along with the inserted metal pieces. Next the figurine is fired. After that it is hand painted which is going to take a good part of the day and fired again. Lastly, the glaze is added and it is fired a last time. This piece has a little higher gloss for the glaze than most Borsato figures. Antonio Borsato Capodimonte Italian Art Figurine "Knife Sharpener " 9" tall BASE 8" x 6" The world lost a great artist when Antonio Borsato was killed in an auto accident in 1981. Borsato worked endlessly to make each creation a melody of color and movement. Being a perfectionist, he was not very prolific. Each piece had a special touch; a turn of the head, an expression. Borsato originals are sculptured in the full-round with no blank surfaces, with the entire piece completely hand colored with brilliant artistry. All stages were attended to by Antonio Borsato himself. It is assuring to note that no Borsato was in mass production. Borsato is known as the Michelangelo of the 20th Century. His works are displayed in the Vatican, museums, and many significant private collections. He studied under the great Cacciapuoti early on, but many believe he far surpassed his mentor, becoming the greatest of the Capo-Di-Monte genre. The book Capodimonte Collectibles, published in 1990, presents a fascinating history of Capodimonte porcelain, and clearly indicates that some 20th Century artists were included in the term "Capodimonte." Antonio Borsato is featured over and over again as a prime example. . His trademark (artist's palette) is also shown. Borsato works of art are irreplaceable just as are the works of other Old Masters. His impeccable faithful adherence to detail, a wisp of hair, facial expression, even eyelashes, gestures, whimsical humor, anatomical perfection, combine to endow each of Borsato's works with breathing realism. A Borsato art treasure is an exquisite masterpiece to be cherished as an heirloom for future generations. I will have each Figurine professionally Wrapped and shipped for Maximum safe shipping! So buy with confidence. Your purchase is supporting small business America ! thank you !