Most of the pottery known as Tuscan pottery or Florentine pottery is actually made in Montelupo Fiorentino–a beautiful little village of approximately 11,000 which is located about 10 miles from Florence. Montelupo Fiorentino was one of the most important Italian ceramic centers in Italy during the Renaissance and immediately after and has seen a revival of its ceramic industry during the last 10 years. Our Toscana Collection of Tuscan pottery is made in a family-run studio in Montelupo Fiorentino.
On our buying trips to Europe for PoggiBonsiGifts.com we are very privileged to take time to experience the local flavor. Last year, while exploring French pottery studios in Provence, we stayed one memorable night in Chateauneuf du Pape. We were envisioning that our gourmet group at home was green with envy especially our two delightful wine experts Tracy Codd and Scott (Herr) Schumacher. Here’s to Tracy and Scott!
By traveling to Deruta, Italy and meeting with the craftsmen in person we are able to design exclusive Italian ceramic patterns. Such is the case with our Azzurro Collection–the vibrant turquoise that highlights this design is not a tradtional color used in Italian pottery.
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 in the Vatican Palace by Raphael.
Our Toscana Italian Ceramic Collection is among our most popular and features the lush fruits and vivid colors of the region. The lemon (limone), grape (uva) motifs are extremely popular in Italian ceramics from all regions and especially in Tuscany.
