Deruta, Umbria, Italy

The Icon of Italian Ceramics

Inspired by Raphael   ·   Born in the 16th century
Hand-painted in our Deruta workshop since 1965

"If one art form tells the story of Italy with elegance,
it is the ceramics of Deruta."

Among the many celebrated patterns of Deruta majolica, Raffaellesco stands apart for its enduring charm and unmistakable identity. Discover together the history, meaning, and craftsmanship behind one of the most iconic collections in Italian ceramics.

Chapter One

Origins and History of the Raffaellesco Decoration

The Raffaellesco decoration takes its name and inspiration from the works of Raffaello Sanzio, the great Renaissance painter who, in the 16th century, created ornamental designs rich in fantastical and mythological motifs. These elements were reinterpreted by the master ceramicists of Deruta — the Umbrian town renowned for majolica production since the Middle Ages.

During the Renaissance, Deruta majolica became a prized art form, admired in Italian courts and beyond national borders. The stylized dragon — the signature motif of the Raffaellesco collection — was born in this period and associated with protection, strength, and good fortune for travelers: a talisman of prosperity that still defines every piece in the line.

Chapter Two

Raphael and His Influence on Deruta Ceramics

Raphael (1483–1520), one of the greatest masters of the Italian Renaissance, is known for his frescoes rich in ornamental details and classical motifs. His works — in particular the frescoes of the Vatican Rooms — feature grotesques, arabesques, and mythological figures that profoundly influenced the decorative arts of his time, majolica included.

In the 16th century, the ceramic workshops of Deruta began incorporating these elements into their creations. The Raffaellesco decoration was named after Raphael and inspired by his designs. The distinctive stylized dragon — rendered with sinuous lines and intricate detail — reinterprets the mythological creatures found in his work. Tradition holds that the dragon was first painted by Raphael himself and later adopted by Deruta ceramists as a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and fair winds for travelers.

Chapter Three

Characteristics of the Raffaellesco Design

What makes the Raffaellesco collection unique is a refined design, immediately recognizable by four distinctive elements:

Chapter Four

Iconic Pieces of the Raffaellesco Collection

The Raffaellesco collection lives through a variety of handcrafted pieces that transform the table and home into an elegant, storied environment:

• Serving plates and display plates — for decorating and serving with style.
• Pitchers and jugs — where aesthetics meets function.
• Trays and centerpieces — the quiet stars of a sophisticated table.
• Soup tureens and bowls — elegance in everyday kitchen use.
• Cups and goblets — tasting with a Renaissance flourish.

Chapter Five

Why Choose Raffaellesco Ceramics

Beyond its extraordinary beauty, the Raffaellesco collection is a piece of Italian history — an art passed down through centuries that retains its value, generation after generation. Every piece is a fusion of tradition, craftsmanship, and passion, ideal for anyone who wishes to bring a symbol of elegance and culture into the home.

In closing

A Fragment of Eternal Beauty

The Raffaellesco collection is not a mere series of decorated ceramics — it is a journey through Italian art and history. Each piece tells the story of the craftsmanship that made Deruta famous worldwide, and offers its owner a fragment of eternal beauty.

If you love the charm of the Renaissance and wish to enrich your home with a touch of class, Raffaellesco ceramics are the perfect choice. Ready to be captivated?