CAMA Deruta
Since the 13th century, CAMA Ceramics has been at the forefront in the creation of high-quality ceramics. CAMA is synonymous with quality and reputation, and has a rigorous quality control program at each step of the development process to ensure only the finest pieces make it to the consumer. During our visit with Renato, Elena and Andrea, we marveled at the intricate detail that goes into the creation of their Majolica. Andrea detailed how only the finest clay is used for the creation of their products. The clay is not subjected to the addition of any man-made products, and therefore precludes their use in a microwave oven. As Luigi demonstrated how each piece is spun and hand-shaped, he did so next to two previous-generation tables used by his ancestors. CAMA fires its clay in gas-fueled furnaces that burn in excess of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, and the first firing lasts nearly two days. Andrea informed us that 2% of the Biscotti pieces do not pass inspection, as each piece is subjected to standards established many years ago. Following the first firing, the Biscotti is prepared for glazing. The vats of glaze are hand-churned for nearly 30 minutes prior to dipping to ensure the glaze is of the correct consistency. After the dipping and drying of the Biscotti, each item is stenciled to prepare it for painting. The painting is supervised by Elena, and Andrea informed us that a two-year internship exists for painters working at CAMA. The painters must share the passion and drive to craft the best creations possible. One painter is allowed to work on one item for only 2-3 hours in one day; a fresh painter must then rotate in on the piece as a measure of quality control. Following the painting, each piece is inscribed to include custom inscriptions if necessary, then coated with a special layer prior to final firing. Meticulous attention to detail is CAMA's trademark, and in keeping with the ancient Deruta traditions of excellence. Fittingly, CAMA majolica is indeed for those who desire to own the best. Before we departed, Andrea showed us photos of his father and mother delivering one of their ceramic plates to Pope John Paul II in Rome.
While CAMA no longer produces their exquisite line of Ceramics, they continue to be some of the most sought-out pieces of Majolica today. Villaggio Ceramics has a limited stock of these pieces--click below to see them and get them before they are gone!!
FIMA Deruta
FIMA preserves the ancient traditions of using only the highest quality clay to create their masterpieces. Founder Pietro Fima’s son-in-law Michele. At FIMA, the ancient Deruta traditions of hand-painting each item are observed. Each piece has a corresponding stencil that serves as a master design to ensure likeness. However, each piece is still hand-painted and thus unique unto itself. The colors of the pieces are remarkably vivid and full, and serve as a fantastic example of what beauty results when the classic traditional forms are practiced by these skilled artisans!
Francesca Niccacci
For over 40 years, FIMA has preserved the ancient traditions of using only the highest quality clay to create their masterpieces. At FIMA, the ancient Deruta traditions of hand-painting each item are observed. Each piece has a corresponding stencil that serves as a master design to ensure likeness. However, each piece is still hand-painted and thus unique unto itself. The colors of the pieces were remarkably vivid and full, and serve as a fantastic example of what beauty results when the classic traditional forms are practiced by these skilled artisans!
Eugenio Ricciarelli
Mr. Ricciarelli is a most skillful artist who awes and inspires many. While not of a long line of Ceramic artisans, he has certainly carved a niche for himself with his craft, and will always be recognized as a favorite of many. There is a saying that goes...one cannot rush good wine..., and the works of Eugenio Ricciarelli are no exception to this rule. Specially created pieces take longer to create in his Studio, simply because each piece is deliberately taken from an infancy of Clay...through first and second firing...to ultimately a sheer and luxurious work of creation, inspired by Eugenio at each step.
Roberto del Vecchio - Brolli Ceramics
Nested on the eastern coast of Italy, Ceramiche Brolli has provided quality ceramics world-wide for over four decades. Hailing from the time-honored traditions established centuries ago in the Romagna Region, the skilled artisans at Brolli Ceramics work masterpieces of unparalleled detail. Under the current ownership of Roberto Del Vecchio, Ceramiche Brolli manufactures both personalized as well as artistic ceramics for the discerning client.
We are Social