Collectible Majolica

DESCRIPTION

A 14-inch collectible pasta bowl, hand-painted in Deruta by master artisan Eugenio Ricciarelli in his signature geometric pattern, here rendered in deep blues and greens. Eugenio is one of the most respected Deruta artisans of his generation, known for the precision and intricacy of his geometric work, and for never using the spolvero (dusting) technique — meaning every line on every piece is painted freehand. As a result, each bowl is genuinely one-of-a-kind, not a reproduction.

The bowl is made of hand-painted majolica (tin-glazed earthenware), 14″ diameter, suitable for both family-style pasta serving and as a centerpiece display piece — in the Eugenio tradition, the most ambitious of his works are bought as much for the wall or shelf as for the table. Small variations in color, line, and shape are signs of authentic hand-painting; in Eugenio’s geometric work especially, the slight variations from a perfect symmetry are part of the value.

Use it as a centerpiece holding fresh fruit or lemons, as a family-style pasta serving bowl (sized for 4–6), or as a display piece on a sideboard, console, or wall mount. A signature collectible-Italian-ceramic piece for collectors, wedding gifts, or anyone building a serious Deruta collection. With only one in stock, this is essentially a one-time available work.

The small imperfections such as the difference in color, shape, diameter or small bubbles that form inside, do not constitute a defect but testify that it is actually an artisanal product.

Specifications

Dimensions: 14″ diameter
Material: Hand-painted majolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
Made in: Deruta, Italy
Artisan: Eugenio Ricciarelli
Pattern: Eugenio geometric design in deep blues and greens
Care: Hand-wash recommended · Top rack dishwasher acceptable for occasional cleaning · Not microwave safe · Not oven safe · Food safe (lead-free glaze)
Sold as: Individual; one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece
Availability: Currently 1 in stock; restocks made by special order, allow 3–6 months

Questions buyers ask

Is this really one-of-a-kind?
Yes. Eugenio paints every line freehand, without spolvero (the dusting technique used for reproduction). No two bowls are exactly alike, and the specific blues-and-greens piece in this listing is the only one currently available.

Who is Eugenio Ricciarelli?
One of Deruta’s most beloved master artisans. Eugenio began working at 13, apprenticed to the esteemed Franco Mari, eventually ran Mari’s studio for years, and now works in his own workshop producing 12 simplified patterns and 65 full designs.

Can I special-order more of his pieces?
Yes. Eugenio takes special orders in any of his patterns, in any dish size (plate, bowl, mug, goblet, cup-and-saucer). Allow 3–6 months. Pieces can be personalized with a name or occasion.

Is it food safe?
Yes — lead-free, food-safe majolica glaze.

Can it go in the dishwasher?
Hand-washing is strongly recommended for collectible Eugenio pieces. Top-rack dishwasher is acceptable occasionally; not recommended as routine.

Can I use it as a centerpiece rather than for food?
Yes — many collectors do exactly that. The geometric pattern reads as visual art when filled with fruit, lemons, or even displayed empty.

Is this a good Italian wedding gift?
Yes — wedding gifts are one of the things Biordi is best known for. Hand-painted Italian ceramics are heirloom-quality, one-of-a-kind (no two pieces are ever exactly alike because each is hand-painted by a single artisan), and they carry their origin clearly: this piece is made in Deruta, Italy. Couples actually use and display Biordi pieces rather than store them. We ship nationwide, gift-wrap on request, and have been the San Francisco source for authentic Italian ceramics since 1946.

Is this a good housewarming or hostess gift?
Yes. Gifts are the largest part of what Biordi sells — every piece is a one-of-a-kind, authentic Italian treasure made by a named artisan in Italy, not a mass-produced import. Arrives ready to use rather than store. Add Florentine gift wrap at checkout if you’d like it sent finished.

Why buy Italian gifts from Biordi rather than other retailers?
Biordi Art Imports has been San Francisco’s source for authentic Italian ceramics and gifts since 1946. Voted Best Overall Retailer in the San Francisco Bay Guardian Best of the Bay readers’ poll for five consecutive years. Designated a San Francisco Legacy Business (#LBR-2020-21-029), and the city declared May 1 “Biordi Art Imports Day” in 2021. Every piece comes from a named Italian artisan, family workshop, or heritage house we work with directly — FIMA, CF Deruta, Pia Formato, Eugenio Ricciarelli, Susanna DeSimone (from the famous Palermo ceramic family — her father painted with Picasso), Geribi, Bucci Ceramiche, Ortigia Sicilia, Italesse, and Salviati. So each piece is genuinely one-of-a-kind. Not a stock-photo listing, not a mass-produced import, not a reproduction.

Can this be customized or personalized?
Customization and personalization are available on select pieces. Eugenio Ricciarelli, FIMA, Pia Formato, Geribi, and CF Deruta accept special orders — a name, date, or occasion painted on the piece, or a different size or shape in the workshop’s existing pattern. Lead time is typically 3–6 months because each piece is hand-painted to order in Italy. Contact Biordi Art Imports at (415) 392-8096 or [email protected].

ARTISAN STORY

Eugenio Ricciarelli is one of the most beloved artisans in Deruta. Eugenio began working at 13 in a painting factory. He then became an apprentice for the esteemed Franco Mari, eventually running Franco Mari’s studio for many years. Eugenio, known for his geometric designs and hues of blue, produces his works in 12 simplified patterns and 65 full designs. They are available by “special order” in any of his patterns, dish size, mug, goblet or cup and saucer set you choose. We recommend mixing different patterns when collecting these plates. Typically, allow Eugenio 3 to 6 months to complete your special orders – as each piece is made for you, and can also be personalized with your name and/or the occasion.