Authentic Deruta Italian Ceramics: A Long Tradition of Excellence
The town of Deruta has been synonymous with Italian glazed ceramics--also known as “majolica” for over 600 years. It is this continuous and ever-developing history that distinguishes Deruta from other Italian cities. Located just to the south of Tuscany, in the center of Umbria, their ceramics industry originally bloomed thanks to the abundance of quality local clay and soil characteristics which are ideal for producing earthenware such as terracotta. Deruta’s positioning along the Tiber River, a key communication and transportation route through Central Italy, also contributed to the town’s prosperity throughout the decades. Today, there continues to be an enormous concentration of workshops and factories in Deruta, where Deruta’s master craftsmen and women continue to produce beautiful and sophisticated designs to be enjoyed throughout the world.
Two Famous Deruta Designs: Ricco & Raffaellesco
Deruta Raffaellesco & Ricco Patterns
Ricco DerutaRicco Deruta is the pattern most associated with its namesake town in Umbria. This pattern is named after and originates from the village of Deruta. The name “Ricco” translates to ‘rich’. Stylish and classically elegant, Ricco Deruta is one of our most popular patterns. This timeless design is reminiscent of Acanthus leaves and flowers and is inspired by Perugino's paintings (one of the most important Italian artists of the 6th century). It will immediately elevate your table setting giving it an elegant yet welcoming look with its vivid and vibrant colors. When family and guests see a table set with this pattern, a smile will immediately appear on their faces. Deruta Ricco is typically available in the traditional golden yellow, as well as Ricco Blue, Ricco Mediterraneo (aqua), and Ricco Verde (green).
Here at Au Bon Goût Boutique we carry a broad selection of Deruta Ricco and are in frequent contact with our importer, who imports only the highest of quality Deruta ceramics to fill our customer orders and expand our selection.
Deruta Ricco Cachepots/Planters
Deruta Ricco Lite
As the Ricco Deruta design is undoubtedly the most popular and recognizable design in Deruta, Italy, Ricco Deruta Lite was fashioned thanks to an exclusive design in collaboration with our importer and the renowned Deruta’s FIMA factory that ensures the best quality of hand painted traditional Deruta’s ceramics since 1960. This dinnerware pattern provides an additional option for customers looking for an alternative to the traditional Ricco. More formal and versatile, the upscale look of Deruta Ricco Lite ensures that the set is ideal for formal dining occasions as well as everyday use.
Deruta Ricco & Deruta Ricco Lite Intermixed
Raffaellesco
What’s not to love about this beautiful traditional pattern? This timeless design has its roots in the 16th century and was inspired by Raphael's frescoes in the Vatican. It is one of the most popular and enduring Renaissance designs from Deruta, represented by a mythical animal. Raphael's design was supposed to bring good luck to sailors, thanks to the wind blowing from the dragon's mouth.
Among the most popular and enduring Italian majolica patterns, the classic 'Raffaellesco' traces its origin to 16th century, and the graceful arabesques of Raphael's famous frescoes.
The stylized dragon of the central motif was reputedly painted first by Raphael, a master painter and architect of the Italian High Renaissance. (Raffaellesco is a benevolent deity who bestows good luck and fair winds to seagoing merchants, thus the puffs of wind steaming from the dragon’s mouth.) There is a good reason by this pattern is regarded as a classic that has endured these many years.
Raffaellesco Deluxe and Raffaellesco Lite Intermixed
The Raffaellesco Lite dinnerware is the ultimate option for buyers willing to invest in a pattern equally formal yet versatile. Its upscale look ensures that the set is either ideal for formal dining occasions or everyday. As with Ricco Lite, Raffaellesco Lite was designed by our importer to simplify Raffaellesco giving it a more undemanding look.
Final Words: Buy Authentic – Beware of Imitations!These days, you can find imitation “Deruta” pottery made in Asia for a fraction of the cost, but beware: for a quality product, buy authentic Artistico, Deruta & Tuscan Collections where they have been making Deruta italian pottery for hundreds of years. It continues to be an excellent value with old world craftmanship that remains unbeatable. In short, and you will delight for years to come in your purchase. Whether it be the Ricco or Raffaellesco patterns, or any of the Tuscany patterns that scream Italy, you’ll delight in your purchase the next time you sit back, and pour yourself a cup of coffee into an authentic Deruta mug.
