Oct Trip to Italy Q#4: Affordable ceramics in Siena? Lucca? Florence?

You'll have to see what's appealing when you get there. Neither place is noted for its native pottery - you'll see a lot of Deruta. But you might find something!

I second Doug's advice. Head to Deruta; it's just off the A-1 heading down to Rome and has the largest selection of ceramics/pottery. There are multiple stores and some GREAT deals. We've hauled too much back from Deruta!

Ciao,
Ron

Do you guys know how far the drive from Siena to Deruta?

1 hr 35 mins each way, not including stops.

AFter reading all your questions, I can see that you are driving from Rome to Siena. My suggestion for ceramics is to stop in Orvieto to shop. I've been there 2x, and there are some great shops.

In Deruta, you probably will visit the lower town, the "factory" outlets. here you will find stuff made for the US market - Pier 1, etc.

In Orvieto there is a small shop - and I really apologize, I don't remember the name of it - that has hand crafted items, made by the owner. it is just up the street from the bigger shop. I can email you a photo of the "big" shop if you like.

If you do stop in Deruta, make sure you go up the hill to the old town. That's where the best /original/hand painted by families, ceramics are - but you will pay for them $$$ !

I also collect and use what I purchase. My last trip in November last year I found the most beautiful biscotti jar and a matching bowl in Orvieto. Hand painted, no two alike, and not the "traditional" dragon, etc that you see everywhere.

Orvieto... ok let me do some research on that. Is it on my way to Siena? This is very cool information, and I cant wait to bring my Italian collection home! :)

Last summer I bought a ceramic hand painted wine carafe in Florence and also a oil and vinegar set and a small plate and I paid about $160.00 for all of them. The ceramics are not cheap. I tried to stay away from Deruta because you can find them here in the States.

I also love ceramics and have many pieces, both decorative and for use. I've been to Deruta 3 or 4 times and have two favorites, Maioliche Nulli at Via Tiberina 142 and Marcucci on the same street. (Almost all the shops are along that street.) While it's true that more and more Deruta ware is available in the U.S., the choice of designs and range of shapes is immensely greater where it's made. The prices are most definitely better. If you buy enough to qualify for a VAT refund, ask for the forms. We did and were offered a discount instead. We have always carried our purchases back with us. Shipping adds too much to the cost. All the shops will bubble-wrap for you. N.B. Deruta has a Ceramics Museum, which is fun to visit for the afficianado.

Joann,
There are many ceramic stores in Siena especially between the campo and Duomo, I think the street is via dei Pellegrini.

We found an excellent small shop with local artisans creating great designs and works in Lucca. Spent $200 or so on a bunch of "gifts"...go to

www.vissidarte.it

Remember, 1 inch = 2.5 cm so the 42 cm and 52 cm platters there are really pretty large. The owner (2nd generation) speaks English (and has lived in the SF Bay area before).

Have you found that bubble wraps sufficiently protects the ceramics? Any suggestions on how to get them home safely?

I usually use bubble wrap and newspaper as much as I could. Then I will pack them in between clothes. And because of my habit of collecting ceramics during travel, I also have a hard-shell suitcase. I only had to hand carry one that I got from Japan, because that particular piece was a gift from my friend's mom, and the artist was very famous, therefore the piece was very precious to me. So far I didn't have problem carrying them home and just leaving them inside my suitcase from China, Thailand, Mexico or Japan. Hopefully that will ease your worry a bit :)

I too bought my ceramics at vissidarte in Lucca and loved talking to the man there. He answered all of my very stupid questions, and really bubble wrapped everything well. My oil jar, wine cork with plate and 2 decorative plates made it home safely. Probably not the cheapest, but I loved that store and would also reccomend it. It has more than on the website for little gifts also. Nice ornaments I wish I bought. Its around the corner from a small wine shop. Enjoy! Lucca is great. I had a wonderful day there and don't regret missing out on Siena this time.

Ceramics info found on the slowtrav website. Shops are in Florence. Easy bus ride.
"I like Montelupo pottery and prefer more classical designs over modern designs. My favorites:Rampini Ceramics, Borgo Ognissanti, 32/34, tel: 055-219720, www.rampiniceramics.com
Exquisite ceramics in a beautiful showroom right next to the Ognissanti church. The Florence store is predominantly a showroom for its products that are custom ordered. However, if you would like to carry them home there are many pieces available for purchase. Styles are a mix of traditional and more contemporary pieces with very original designs. The quality surpassed any I have seen in all my ceramic shopping in Italy. The pieces are marked with two prices; a lower price if you have them shipped or spend more than 150 euros. This allows them to bypass the VAT tax and offer a lower price. You can also order a catalogue online to purchase their lovely products.
Ceramiche San Lorenzo, Via Borgo S. Lorenzo, 29/r, tel: 055-216083 Between the Duomo and the Medici Chapel. Small shop with a lovely selection and helpful staff.
Ditta Luca della Robbia, Via Del Proconsolo, 19R, tel: 055-283532 In the Bargello neighborhood. Another family run business. A large and beautiful selection of ceramics from Montelupo. Very friendly and helpful owner. Bought several pretty, small decorative pill or jewelry boxes for 10 euro to give as gifts.
Galleria Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio 104r, tel: 055-2398400, www.ceramichepontevecchio.com Just over the Ponte Vecchio on the right hand side of the street down an alcove and past another ceramics store in front of it. A fairly large selection of vibrant ceramics with many pieces from Montelupo. Florentia, Via dell'ariento, 81r, www.florentiaceramichr.it Located in the heart of the San Lorenzo Market stalls, this friendly shop has a large selection of ceramics from various regions of Italy. I loved their selection of ceramics and I bought several beautiful olive dishes for gifts."