Blog: Discover Italy

History of Deruta Ceramics Ceramics have been made in Italy for thousands of years, with artifacts dating back to the Etruscan, Greek, and Roman periods. Upon discovery of high quality, local clay, the residents of Deruta began making ceramics towards the end of the 13th century. At first, the potters of Deruta produced everyday objects such as plates, pots, vases and urns. These items were simply painted using brown and green glazes and simple geometric designs. Orange, yellow and red decoratio …

History of the Raffaellesco Deruta Pattern The Raffaellesco pattern, renowned for its central motif of the benevolent dragon, surrounded by intricate floral arabesques in a bright color palette of yellow, blue and green, is one of the most famous and enduring styles of Italian Deruta ceramics. Originating in the 16th-century, the Raffaellesco decoration takes its name and inspiration from the “grotesque” style of the famous Renaissance painter Raffaello Sanzio, otherwise known as Rap …