The long tradition of ceramics in Tuscany has its roots in ancient times, even prior to the barbaric invasions in Italy, but it was only during the 14th and 15th centuries that ceramic production centres were founded, which still provide training around the world today.If you’d like to discover a new and unusual side of Tuscany, it’s well worth revisiting the ceramic, terracotta, porcelain and majolica areas dotted across the region. Eleven municipalities, true capitals of Tuscan ceramics, namely Anghiari, Asciano, Borgo San Lorenzo, Carmignano, Impruneta, Montelupo Fiorentino, Montepulciano, Montopoli in Val d’Arno, Sesto Fiorentino, Trequanda and Vicopisano, which came together in the Terre di Toscana association a few years ago, with the aim of redeveloping these valuable, old manufacturing practices.
Along the roads of ceramics and terracotta, you can’t help being enchanted by the many creative and elegant wonders created by the Tuscan master potters. In the new ceramics museum in Montelupo, for example, you can admire the superb “Rosso di Montelupo” tray, painted with sanguine colours and regarded as one of the greatest Renaissance majolica masterpieces. At the Museo di Doccia in Sesto Fiorentino you can relive the golden age of Ginori, with his porcelain in Art Nouveau style or decorated with the unmistakable design of Giò Ponti. The stunning Villa Pecori Giraldi (Borgo San Lorenzo) is also interesting, which contains gres vases and valuable Chini manufacture frescoes, as well as the famous Arezzo-produced “vasi corallini”, characterised by a deep, bright red colour.(Portions of this article first appeared in "Toscana & Chianti News")
ShareThis
0 comments:
Post a Comment