ABOUT OUR CERAMICS

We inspect all of  our Italian ceramics before shipping.  All of the ceramics that we carry are handmade and hand painted by artisans in Italy, not manufactured by machines.  At times, there may be slight variations (color, size, design, small smudges or paint spots, loose lids, etc… ) that are characteristics of these handmade ceramics created by artisans.  These variances are evidence of an original, unique, one of a kind, handcrafted, handpainted piece of artwork.  See our Italian Ceramics Care and Usage section.   We also will provide a handout with each shipment with the following brief information:  "About Our Italian Ceramics", "Creating Our Ceramics" and  "Italian Ceramics Care & Usage".

HISTORY OF ITALIAN MAJOLICA CERAMICS

At present time we are directly importing our Italian ceramics from the Tuscany and Umbria regions in Italy.  Our handcrafted ceramics are a type of earthenware made of clay from the Mediterranean.  This dazzling colorful Italian earthenware is called majolica (also known as maiolica or maioliche) and was named by the Italians after the Spanish island of Majorca.  Originally this type of earthenware was exported from Majorca and introduced to Italy in the 13^th century.  Italian majolica ceramics became popular during the Renaissance period and centers for producing the earthenware arose throughout Italy.  During this time, these artistic ceramics were often given as a gift to celebrate momentous occasions, such weddings and births.

Deruta, Montelupo Fiorentino, Firenze (Florence), Sesto Fiorentino, Gubbio, Gualdo Tadino and Faenza are cities/towns in Italy that are very well-known for the production of Italian ceramics.  The Italian city of Deruta, where we import the majority of our ceramics, is one of the most famous for its' Italian majolica pottery.  Deruta is just south of the city of Perugia, located in the Umbria region of Italy which is southeast of neighboring Tuscany.  Currently, Deruta has and still is a major manufacturer and exporter of majolica.  Montelupo Fiorentino, just east of Florence, is one of the most famous production centers of Italian majolica ceramics in the Tuscan region.

Deruta Umbria, Italy	Montelupo Fiorentino Tuscany, Italy	Gubbio Umbria, Italy	Firenze (Florence) Tuscany, Italy

The most important museums in Europe and America exhibit precious examples of this ancient style of Renaissance ceramics.  Today this artistic tradition goes on in workshops where talented craftsmen and artists create wonderful handpainted ceramics.  The majority of designs created on the majolica pieces originated from the Renaissance period.  The workshops we work with range from small to large-sized family owned businesses, often handed down from generation to generation.  The ancient patterns are reproduced according to tradition, experience and interpretation.

CREATING OUR HANDMADE HAND PAINTED ITALIAN CERAMICS

STEP #1 - SHAPING
The process begins at the potter’s wheel where a piece of refined clay is shaped & then allowed to dry.

STEP #2 - 1^ST FIRING
The ceramic piece then goes through it’s first firing in the kiln.  After this first firing, the piece is referred to as "Biscotto" (Bisque), a baked terra-cotta piece featuring the typical red color.

STEP #3 - GLAZING
Once cooled after the first firing, the ceramic piece is dipped in a fast drying powdery white glaze. This powdery white glaze will prevent the colors from spreading and blurring into each other during the painting process.

 STEP #4 - PAINTING
A design is then skillfully painted on the ceramic piece by hand by an experienced and talented painter.  The painter must understand the complexities of coloration, as the special paint used for the painting process all have a very similar gray or black tone.  When the artisan completes the ceramic piece, it must be handled with care because the special paint over the powdery white glaze can be wiped away with a single touch. The true and brilliant colors that majolica is known for will be seen only after the piece emerges from the final firing in the kiln.

STEP #5 - FINAL FIRING
The ceramic piece is then loaded into the kiln for the second and final firing.  Depending on the size of the ceramic piece, it may require up to 12 hours of firing at a constant high temperature.  At the conclusion of the firing, the ceramic piece, now referred to as majolica, may have to cool in the kiln for up to another 12 hours.  It is important that the kiln's door not be opened until the temperature is low enough or the majolica could go into shock and crack. The word "majolica" (also known as "maiolica" or "maioliche") is used to describe this type of glazed Italian pottery.

OUR ITALIAN CERAMIC COLLECTION

Our current Italian ceramic patterns from Deruta, Italy include: Ricco Deruta, Vecchia Deruta, Raffaellesco, Green Orvieto, Frutta Piena, Frutta Mista, Blue Raffaellesco, Frutta Vincent, Geometrico, Ornato, Autunno Verde and Limone Blu.  Other patterns from the Umbria region include: Limone, Limone Rosso, Frutta Mista, Lipari and Capri.  Patterns from the Tuscany region include: Frutta Toscana, Chanti, Uva Toscana and Arancia Toscana.

Our ceramic products include Italian Dinnerware, Italian Biscotti Jars, Italian Wall Plates, Italian Vases, Italian Canisters, Italian Pitchers, Italian Rooster Pitchers, Italian Espresso Cups, Italian Goblets, Italian Serving Bowls, Italian Serving Plates, Italian Tableware Accessories plus more.

CLASSIC PATTERNS THAT WE CARRY FROM DERUTA, ITALY

We carry many Italian ceramic patterns.  The following are three of the most popular classic patterns:

  Ricco Deruta - This classic pattern is named after and originates from the village, Deruta in the Umbria region in Italy.  The term "Ricco" means rich.  This pattern is a design that takes the details of sixteenth century frescoes and reinterprets them with classic Deruta colors and style.

   Raffaellesco - This classic pattern is one of the oldest, most traditional and one of the most known patterns from Deruta, Italy and is characterized by the image of a "dragon".  This pattern originated from the frescoes created in the Vatican by the famous artist Raphael during the Italian Renaissance.

   Green Orvieto - This classic, traditional pattern is characterized by the image of a "rooster".  This pattern is from Deruta, Italy.

FOOD SAFE

All of our Italian majolica ceramics that are intended to have contact with food have met FDA standards and have been tested and approved for safe use.  This includes all dinnerware, serving pieces, tabletop and kitchenware accessories, wall plates, biscotti jars, canisters and jars, pitchers, cups, plates, bowls and wine goods.

SHOP BY CATEGORY

Beverage Cups
Pitchers
Bowls
Plates, Trays & Appetizer Antipasto Sets
Tableware
Kitchenware
Biscotti Jars
Canisters
Wine Accessories
Clocks
Wall Plates
Vases

We hope you enjoy your authentic Italian Majolica Ceramics