Collectible Majolica

DESCRIPTION

A hand-painted majolica butter dish, made in Deruta by master artisan Eugenio Ricciarelli in his B-61 peacock design. The lid lifts off to reveal a tray sized for a standard quarter-pound stick. Deep blues, gold, and small painted accents read clearly across the table — the dish works as much as a piece of decorative ceramic as it does a butter keeper.

Eugenio paints every line freehand without the spolvero (dusting) technique used for reproduction, so no two B-61 pieces are identical. Mixes naturally with other Eugenio patterns — many Biordi customers build a place setting that combines two or three of his designs on the same table.

Use it daily, set it out for guests, or hold it for special occasions. A clean, useful gift for an Italian-ceramics fan, a housewarming, or anyone starting a Eugenio collection. Add Florentine gift wrap at checkout.

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: 9″ × 4″
Material: Hand-painted majolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
Made in: Deruta, Italy
Artisan: Eugenio Ricciarelli
Pattern: B-61 — peacock design in Eugenio’s signature deep blues and gold
Care: Hand-wash recommended · Not microwave safe · Not oven safe · Food safe (lead-free glaze)
Sold as: Individual; one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece
Availability: In stock; special order 3–6 months

Questions buyers ask

What is the B-61 pattern?
One of Eugenio Ricciarelli’s signature peacock designs in deep blues and gold. B-61 is the workshop pattern number.

Will it match other Eugenio pieces I already own?
Yes — mixing Eugenio patterns on the same table is recommended. The shared color palette and freehand work make them coordinate.

Can I special-order matching pieces?
Yes. Eugenio takes special orders in any of his 12 simplified patterns and 65 full designs. Allow 3–6 months. Personalization (name, occasion) is available.

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

Is this a good Christmas gift?
Yes. A hand-painted B-61 peacock butter dish by Eugenio Ricciarelli in Deruta comes out for Christmas dinner and holiday breakfasts every year, and no two are alike. Order by December 15, 2026 for ground shipping in time for Christmas, or add Florentine gift wrap at checkout and we’ll send it ready to give.

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.