Deruta, Umbria - Italy

It's in the 1290 the first document on the origins of the Deruta ceramics, but findings from diggings and the clay presence for the working justify the affirmation that the ceramics has had to Deruta origins very more ancient. The Deruta production in this period analogous to that one of other Italian centers is constituted from objects of common use, which “versatori”, water jugs, bowls, basins, cups.

In fact by the end of the 13th century Deruta was producing enough ceramics to pay its taxes to Perugia, Today’s Capital of Umbria, in vases instead of cash. By the end of the mid-fourteenth century, Deruta had assumed its role as the regional producer of ceramics and then had progressed beyond the small-town kiln to become a major exporter. In fact in 1358 Deruta had exported over one thousand pieces to Assisi, San Francesco’s hometown, which was in need of tableware to feed all the pilgrims coming to visit and also of souvenirs to carry home. But the most successful period for Deruta was the sixteen century when the artisans partecipated to the Renaissance revolution.

The stylistic typologies in use are simplified from decorations to geometric, flowers, and from sacred symbols.

The following centuries are of great splendor for the Deruta majolica, which catches up in the renaissance the maximum closing. Beyond fifty they are the active furnaces and of some artists they remain the companies that sing the works of greater value.

The great pump plates, the amatory goblets, the pavements constitute the part originate them and more important of the Deruta majolica.

The Deruta renaissance “majoliche” acquired great reputation for the wide use of the "lustro metallico"  works of greater value now conserved in the more important museums of the world, between these the Victoria and Albert Museum of London (UK), Metropolitan Museum of New York (USA).