Lot 252, Auction 4/20/2026: Large Italian Deruta Maiolica Tureen & Gravy Boat

$390.00

In stock

Western Europe, central Italy, Deruta, ca. 21st century CE. A vibrant two-piece lot of contemporary Deruta maiolica, comprising a lidded tureen and a matching gravy boat, both celebrating the long Umbrian tradition of brilliantly glazed, hand-painted earthenware. With their deep cobalt grounds, scrolling foliate ornament, and jewel-toned accents in green, ochre, and terracotta, these vessels bring the theatrical color and decorative richness of historic Italian ceramics into the modern table. The lidded tureen is by Franco Mari Ceramics and is dated 2000. The base is signed in full: “Dip. A. Mano / Franco Mari / Deruta / Made in Italy / Prelude. Romy. Onix / 2000.” The phrase “Dip. A. Mano” translates to “painted by hand,” underscoring the artisanal nature of the work. Size of larger (tureen): 13″ L x 11″ W x 12″ H (33 cm x 27.9 cm x 30.5 cm)

The decoration is organized in bold horizontal registers, each with a distinct pattern name: the Prelude design appears on the lid and middle register, Romy adorns the top register, and Onix forms the third register, creating a layered tapestry of Deruta motifs that reads like a miniature parade of pattern. The accompanying gravy boat echoes the tureen’s palette and ornamental vocabulary, with a lively handle and sweeping spout that make it as sculptural as it is functional. Together, the pair offers an eye-catching example of 21st century Deruta production – polished, exuberant, and unapologetically festive, like Italy itself when it decides dinner should also be an event.

Condition: Both are intact and excellent. Tureen has old collection label on underside of lid. Underside of base has artist’s signature with “Dip. A. Mano / Franco Mari / Deruta / Made in Italy / Prelude. Romy. Onix / 2000.”

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

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