Raffaellesco – Beloved Italian Ceramic Pattern

May 15th, 2008

Named for the Renaissance painter Raphael, Raffaellesco is one of the most popular and enduring Italian ceramic designs. The central motif of the Raffaellesco pattern is a stylized sea dragon which was copied from the “grotesque” frescos by Raphael in the Vatican Palace. The creature was thought to bring good luck and fair wind to seagoing merchants. You will notice the puffs of wind exhaling from Raffaellesco’s mouth. This pattern has sybolized the ceramic industry in Deruta, Italy for more than 600 years.  This pattern complements many decorating styles from traditional to contemporary.

At www.poggibonsigifts.com we offer a large selection of serving pieces including biscotti jars, bowls, platters, teapots and more. Our Raffaellesco Collection is hand painted by highly-skilled craftspeople who reproduce this traditional design in a small family studio in Deruta.

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