Ceramiche Bartoloni

Brothers Patrizio and Stefano Bartoloni in front of their workshop

Brothers Patrizio and Stefano Bartoloni started their ceramics business when they were 18 and 20 years old. At the time, their “studio” was a wood shed with a dirt floor in Capraia, a tiny village bordering Montelupo. When they outgrew that space, they moved to their current workshop in Montelupo, about 10 miles outside of Florence.

Patrizio is more of the flamboyant painter and Stefano does more of the intricate designs and lettering. My uncle met them in 1987 in their “studio” in Capraia and has been friends with them ever since. He nicknamed them the “Blues Brothers,” which they think is really funny.

Below is an old photo of the Bartoloni brothers and their father. Their parents have always worked with them and their dad still does some of the painting. Over the years they’ve hired a few other people to help run the business, but the Bartolonis still do all the artwork themselves.

Bartoloni Brothers With Their Dad

The Bartolonis are located in Montelupo, which is a short train ride from Florence. Montelupo became became famous for their ceramics beginning in the 13th century, when Moorish traders traveling to Florence along the old Roman road, passed right through Montelupo with ceramic wares from Spain. Then, during the Renaissance, artisans in Montelupo began elaborating on the ceramic designs, adding realistic imagery and brighter colors – transforming it into the high art form it is today.

I’m including a few photos and links of my favorite Bartoloni pieces.  These are truly works of art – but art that was created to be used and enjoyed.  I love imagining how each of these pieces began as a piece of clay on a wheel in the Bartoloni studio… was handcrafted by this family with love and artistic passion… then painted following their traditional techniques… and finally, after a long trip, arrived here in the US, to be appreciated and used by a new family.  Nothing makes me happier than finding loving homes for these beautiful pieces.  Hope you like them!

 

Jessica Vases

The Limoni design is by far the most popular in my Bartoloni collection

Roosters are popular among Majolica designs in general, but I think the Bartolonis do them best!

Frutta Venezia Canisters

You Are What You Register For…

You are original and your wedding is obviously unique, so why have a registry that’s just typical?  When you register with Emilia Ceramics you offer friends and family the option of giving gifts that are as special and memorable as your wedding celebration itself.

Our beautiful vases, pitchers, lamps, and serving platters are all signature pieces that compliment more basic items you may be registering for at other locations.  Or opt for a completely unique look, with our charming place settings, cups and saucers, or kitchen canisters for keeping coffee, sugar, and flour. Round out your registry with some less expensive, but more fun gifts like tequila shot sets, salt & pepper shakers, a wine bottle holder and a spoon rest.

Just remember, your registry should reflect your unique personality and the importance of the occasion.  So ask for gifts that are original — your guests will thank you!

See what other couples have registered for by clicking here.

The History of Majolica

Arabs brought Majolica with them to Spain and from there it was introduced to Italy. The name Majolica comes from the misconception that it originated on the Spanish island of Mallorca (or Majorca) – when in fact, it was only shipped through the port of Mallorca on its way to Italy.

In the 13th century, Italian ceramists began making their own Majolica, defining the colors and designs that are most famous today. At that time, Majolica was meant to be primarily utilitarian and decorated with abstract and geometric patterns. In the 15th century, the patterns started depicting people and animals and by the 16th century, it also became popular to have dinnerware designed with the family crest.

Majolica underwent further adaptation when it was brought to Central and South America, where native artists adopted the technique and added their own style and traditional designs.

The Ceramic Technique

The majolica technique is anything but easy – it is a multi-phased process that takes time, patience, and exceptional skill. The earthenware clay is first bisque fired at around 1900° F. It is then painted or dipped in a creamy, oatmeal-colored glaze, made from silica, tin, calcium, and clay.

Once dry, artists paint designs over this base glaze with natural pigments (each color is made from a mineral – greens are chrome and copper, blue is cobalt, etc.). The pigments are absorbed into the base glaze, which is a porous surface similar to watercolor paper. Just like with watercolor, once applied, the pigments cannot be covered over or blended together, meaning there is no margin for error.

When the piece is fired again at a higher temperature, the glaze melts and fuses with the pigments. Because the end result is a product of chemical reactions between metal oxide colors, the glaze, and a precise firing temperature, it often takes the artist many trials before a new design is perfected.

While extremely time consuming and difficult, this process is what gives completed Majolica a distinctively warm look and feel. That’s because instead of the color lying under a clear surface, the color is actually in the glaze and of the glaze. Sometimes referred to as “fat glaze,” the result is more luscious and vivid. It’s what draws us to Majolica, both visually and physically – making it difficult not to reach out and touch the surface of a beautifully glazed pitcher or serving platter.

Overwhelmed by gift giving?

Sometimes it feels like gift giving is never-ending… A friend gets engaged and suddenly you’re on the hook for an engagement present, shower gifts, and of course the wedding gift itself.  Then there are the seemingly constant birthdays and housewarming gifts to think about.

But finding a good gift doesn’t need to be stressful or overwhelming.  And giving a memorable gift doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg.  At Emilia Ceramics we have great gift ideas for under $100.  And when you shop online, we’ll gift-wrap for free and include a personal note with your present.

It doesn’t get any easier than that.

Check out our New Arrivals from Italy & Mexico.

Thanks,
Emily Brown
www.EmiliaCeramics.com