Collectible Majolica

DESCRIPTION

A 14-inch collectible pasta bowl, hand-painted in Deruta by master artisan Eugenio Ricciarelli in his B-61 peacock design. B-61 is one of Eugenio’s most recognized patterns — deep blues, gold, and small painted accents, all painted entirely freehand without the spolvero (dusting) technique used for reproduction. Each piece is genuinely one-of-a-kind.

The bowl is made of hand-painted majolica (tin-glazed earthenware), 14″ diameter, sized for both family-style pasta serving and centerpiece display. In the Eugenio tradition, the most ambitious works function equally as decorative art — many collectors mount the bowl on a wall stand or display it on a sideboard rather than (or in addition to) using it for food. Small variations from piece to piece are signs of authentic hand-painting and part of the value.

Use it as a centerpiece holding fresh fruit, as a family-style pasta serving bowl (4–6 servings), or as a display piece on a sideboard, shelf, or wall mount. A serious gift for collectors, weddings, anniversaries, or anyone building a Deruta collection. With only two in stock, this is essentially a short-window availability.

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 × 3″ deep
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 · Top rack dishwasher acceptable occasionally · Not microwave safe · Not oven safe · Food safe (lead-free glaze)
Sold as: Individual; one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece
Availability: Currently 2 in stock; restocks made by special order, allow 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.

Is this really one-of-a-kind?
Yes. Eugenio paints every line freehand without spolvero. No two B-61 bowls are identical.

Can I special-order more?
Yes. Eugenio takes special orders in any of his 12 simplified patterns and 65 full designs, in any size or piece type. Allow 3–6 months. Pieces can be personalized with a name or occasion.

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

Should I use it or display it?
Either — or both. Many collectors rotate between display and family-style serving.

Can I mix it with other Eugenio patterns?
Yes — mixing different Eugenio patterns in a set is recommended. The shared color palette and freehand work make them coordinate.

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.