Italian pottery: history, styles, and how to choose authentic pieces

Italy has been creating its own pottery for thousands of years. In fact, some of the most beautiful ceramics are made by Italian artisans. It’s amazing what can be achieved with a little clay and a flame. 

Of course it’s not just about beauty; every piece of Italian pottery has a practical application. For example, even today ceramic is the best container for oil. It protects from heat, light, and oxygen, allowing the oil to keep for longer. Interestingly, the production process is much the same today as it was centuries ago. Clay is collected from deep in the Italian hills and molded with the help of a potter’s wheel. In the past, it was heated over an open flame, today it’s done via a kiln. 


Deruta pottery: the jewel of Italian ceramics

There are many fine handmade ceramic items to be found. However, Deruta pottery is widely regarded as the best Italy has to offer.  The pottery originates in the walled city of Deruta, south of Tuscany. There’s evidence of pottery being made here in Roman times.

While the quality of Deruta ceramics has always been impressive, it wasn’t until the 15th century that there was an increase in the number of shapes and colors available. Specifically, blue, orange, and yellow became common colors on Deruta Italian pottery.

Today, there are over 200 Italian ceramics manufacturers in the Deruta area. Some are small family-owned businesses, others large factories. 

Some of these businesses have been in existence for centuries. 


What makes Deruta ceramics unique?

Deruta is perfectly located. It’s right next to hills full of clay and is close to all types of transport, from water to road. This has attracted hundreds of potters to the area and helped to ensure that Deruta Italian pottery lives on generation after generation.  Many impressive and memorable designs have originated in Deruta, from Italian dinnerware to olive oil containers. It is recognized by its unique metallic lustre, often referred to as Mother-of-Pearl.

However, what makes them unique is that they were the first to add lusterware pigments to its pottery. That’s yellow, ruby and olive-green. Today, many of their designs use the same colors, creating a distinctive look which has become desirable across the globe.

The most famous Deruta designs and patterns

Of all the Italian pottery cultures it’s fair to say that Deruta designs and patterns stand out the most.  Perhaps the most famous of all the designs is the Raffaellesco. It was first painted by Raphael Ricco Deruta and is a yellow dragon with blue wings.

The crowing rooster, known as Orvieto Rooster is also a famous design from the same period. 


Exploring different types of Italian ceramics

Italian ceramics are available in many different forms. Deruta is naturally one of the most popular. However, Majolica is also a desirable option. 

Other types of Italian ceramics include:

  • Terracotta -  the classic baked earth look

  • Baroque – known for its colorful designs

  • Zaffera – typically cobalt blue designs against a white background

  • Modern – intricate hand painted designs which are generally full of color.


Italian Majolica pottery: colors and techniques


Italian Majolica pottery is known for having vibrant colors. Most pieces have intricate designs, and all Majolica pottery has a glossy finish. This is created thanks to multiple layers of glaze being added before the piece enters the kiln.  It makes the piece distinctive and gives additional protection to the clay. Most pieces will also have a raised profile, creating texture and depth.  This type of pottery has been made since the 9th century and continues to be made today using the same techniques. 

Conclusion

One thing is certain, Italian pottery designs have been in demand for centuries, and that isn’t about to change. Choosing an Italian piece means you’re making a style statement.  It also means you’re choosing the best possible container for all types of uses, such as olive oil or your new dinner plate set.

If you’re in the market for anything ceramic, you need to be looking at what the Italians have to offer. They have centuries of experience.

 


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