Tuscan Master Craftsman in Ceramics since 1979
One of my favourite crafts here in Italy is ceramics and I have fond memories of the 10 person table setting including pasta bowls, plates and salt & pepper containers that my parents had shipped home after one of their trips to Italy. One of my first ‘souvenirs’ that I bought for myself when I first visited Florence was a large plate with signature Giglio in the centre.
Fortunately for us all, there are many ceramic artisans keeping the tradition and craft alive in Italy today and I was very honoured to receive a beautiful table centre-piece by Riccardo Parrini of Ceramiche d’Arte Parrini. It is not just an ornament – I use it most evening at dinner and have served roast vegetables on it quite often. I imagine that come the warmer weather, it will make an excellent platter for colourful salads as well.
The Ceramiche d’Arte Parrini is a ceramic workshop that was founded by Maestro Lauro Parrini in 1979 in Campi Bisenzio, about 20 minutes from Florence.
Maestro Parrini was born in 1956 in Etruscan land – Montecatini Val di Cecina to be precise where the history of ceramic production in Tuscany boasts a long tradition.
In Etruscan times, the tableware was made of heavy bucchero, distinguished by its black and glossy surface obtained by the unique method of firing the vases using the reduction method (poor in oxygen).
For Tuscany, it was only during the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance that workshops specialising in the production of enamelled ceramics of high quality began to emerge, located mainly in towns like Montelupo and Asciano.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the production of ceramics experienced a second stage of transformation, linked mainly to changes in the technical and scientific knowledge of the period allowing many new workshops to open in the small towns surrounding Florence.
Maestro Lauro Parrini and his family continue to run the workshop today and take pride in their craft. He received the title of Arts Maestro after studying at the Artes Institute for Ceramics in Sesto Fiorentino.
The first objects he created were influenced by the typical colours of ceramics of Montelupo Fiorentino , such as cobalt blue, green and yellow. He has since created his own personal and chromatic style which is visible in his own collection of decor. In May of 2016, Ceramiche D’Arte Parrini earned recognition and the title of Tuscan Master Craftsman by the Chamber of Commerce of Florence & Regional Commission for the Crafts of Tuscany.
These beautiful objects are created with particular care and reflect the beauty of hand-made products through the traditional mould and potter’s-wheel methods. As each piece is completely hand-decorated, it is so unique, rendering it a one-off piece.
Today the passion for this artistic activity is carried on thanks to the children of Maestro Lauro Parrini, his son Riccardo Parrini and his talented sister, Federica Parrini. Like many artisans in Tuscany, this year has been incredibly difficult with the absence of the usual tourist traffic. If you love Italian ceramics as much as me and need a little of Made in Italy excellence in your home, you will be happy to know that Parrini Ceramics ship International Express Worldwide so it will only take a few days to arrive in your home.
Every piece is delivered with a Certificate of Authenticity –
Hand Painted and Hand Made in Italy by our Master Craftsmen.
As you can see, my platter looks so beautiful on the table. What are your favourite styles and pieces? Do you prefer country olives, Amalfi lemons or the traditional geometric designs?
You can order directly from their website here.
CERAMICHE D’ARTE PARRINI
info@ceramiccheparrini.com
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