Ceramiche Sberna Handmade Italian Plate

 Prussian Blue has been in the Crayola Collection since 1903, so it was one of the first colors. In 1958 the name was changed to Midnight Blue. In the “Halloween Crayon” series it was known as Midnight Gloom!   Halloween Crayons?  Who knew?

This is my hand made “Dipinto a Mano” plate from Italy. I went to Italian language school in Montepulciano, Italy and walked by a tiny shop filled with exquisite ceramics and pottery at least 4 times a day. Finally, before I left, I went in and with my newly practised Italian, bought several pieces of the ceramics. I had it all shipped home since I was heading elsewhere in Italy and could not have carried it around with me. It would have been Midnight Gloom and more, if the pieces had arrived broken! As it was, they arrived safe and sound and are the pride of my dining room! I love all the colors on it, but especially the very dark blue!

“Dipinto a Mano” ceramics are made in Deruta, a small town in the heart of Umbria, and world known for its production of fine ceramic art and pottery. The craft was established there in the Middle Ages, but was renown during the Renaissance. Today hand crafted ceramics is still the primary work of the citizens of Deruta. Francesco Sberna, a master craftsman opened his workshop in 1959 and is now the most important ceramic producer of the town. The Ceramiche Sberna, which I own, were created with forms and designs inspired by local tradition with detailed research into color and pattern. I have never seen another pattern like mine!

Here are more pictures taken in the town of Montepulciano.

Here is more about the language school, Il Sasso.

This post is just one of many in the Color Your World: 120 Days of Crayola Challenge! Enjoy!