Ceramics

In our shop in Little Italy as well as on our website, we are very pleased to feature the beautiful ceramics created by the artists of La Gioconda, in the Umbrian town of Deruta. It is a chronological fact that the workshops of La Gioconda opened in 1963, but otherwise there is a wonderful "timelessness" about the pieces that this charming Company produces. The artisans reach back in time to the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th centuries for us, to keep alive the classical styles, decorative motifs and glorious patterns that characterized the traditional Italian majolicas of those eras. Equally stunning, however, are the contemporary pieces and modern designs that are produced by La Gioconda's artists.

Specific descriptions of La Gioconda's distinctive lines of ceramics and their decorative styles can be found in the charts below. If a "worksheet" would be of help in planning and organizing your selections, we have one -- just for you. Click on our "Just for You" page, and you can find the ceramics order worksheet there.

All of the ceramics that we import from La Gioconda are made by hand, and are created using lead-free paints and glazes. They are safe to use for foods and beverages.

La Gioconda has received the distinction of being entered into the Register of Artistic and Traditional Ceramics Manufacturers (CAT register), and may have pieces stamped with the certified mark of origin (D.O.C.).

Line: Made in Deruta

Classic motifs, restyled for today!

*Palmetta*	Pattern dating from second half of 15^th century. Features blue “palmettes” within arches of orange and blue contouring.
*Allegro*	Early 16^th century motif, of perpendicular leaves and circles. Colors include green, red, and blue over layer of light yellow.
*Acanto*	Patterned after early 16^th century design featuring the acanthus leaf.
*Girali*	Decorative style based on Renaissance motif. Hastate leaves moving in volutes adorn the rim; the central flower adds to the visual appeal.
*Oriente*	Pattern that was in use at end of 15^th century. This style of Italian majolica is called “alla porcellana” (“like porcelain”).
*Barocco*	Floral pattern similar to a popular 18^th century motif. Yellow ochre curls, green leaves, and small pink flowers contrast pleasantly with the dark blue.
*Foglioline*	A “wreath” of small green leaves decorates the border of these otherwise pure white ceramics.
*Sbaffo*	Alternating flower and geometric motifs, brightly colored.

Line: Classic Table

Traditional patterns, always in style!

*Raffaellesco*	Pattern from Deruta majolica of the mid-17^th century.
*Ricco Deruta*	Renaissance-era pattern, beautifully reproduced.
*Arabesco*	Based upon Oriental decorative patterns from the 17^th century, which featured animal and vegetable motifs.
*Orvietano*	Also known as “Galletto”, this medieval pattern was common to the Orvieto region. Available in ramina green, blue, or red.
*Foglioline Intrecciate*	An ornate pattern from old Deruta majolicas, this decorative style features a central rosette and associated border pattern.
*Insalatina Blu*	One of the most refined motifs in Italian majolica, this pattern is formed by delicately painted leaves on a coat of antique glaze. A classic from the 15^th century, in Deruta blue.

Line: Extra

At table or for decoration – novel pieces for those with contemporary tastes!

*Melograno*	Original remake of decoration from the latter half of the 16^th century. Features pomegranates, strawberries and acorns interwoven among leaves. Available with either a black or dark blue background.
*Mosaico*	Reminiscent of decorations popular in the majolicas of the fifties. Black, carmine red, peacock-green, and yellow-ochre with gold finishing.
*Arlecchino*	Re-creations of the pieces and patterns of “Arlecchino”, an interior decoration collection designed by Nino Strada, of Milan, in the latter half of the fifties.

Care and Washing of Your Italian Ceramics

The ceramics that we import from Deruta are known as majolica. They are well-made and functionally sturdy, but they are also works of art in their own right, and should be treated accordingly. If you handle and use your ceramics with care and wash them as recommended, you will be able to safeguard their beauty and enjoy using them for years to come!

- Hand-washing and drying after each use is the preferred way to clean your Italian ceramics
- These ceramics may be placed in the dishwasher if you choose to do so, but be sure to follow these important suggestions:

Use the gentle cycle.

Load them in the dishwasher with care.

Position the ceramics in such a way that they will not hit against each other or against any other items placed near them.

Do not place these ceramics in your microwave oven!