{"title":"HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eItalian Christmas Ornaments\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFrom Italy’s famous ceramics regions including Castelli, Deruta and Sicily, our collection of handmade Italian Christmas ornaments make a beautiful addition to any tree or home and perfect for that special gift. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"susanna-de-simone-santa-plaque","title":"Ornament- Santa with Bag by Susanna De Simone","description":"\u003ch4\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eOrnament- Santa with Bag by Susanna De Simone\u003c\/strong\u003e is hand-painted by \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/susanna-desimone\"\u003eSusanna DeSimone\u003c\/a\u003e at her family's historic studio — \u003cstrong\u003eFabbrica della Ceramica\u003c\/strong\u003e — in Palermo, Sicily. It is a contemporary continuation of the \u003cstrong\u003eItalian Catholic devotional ceramic tradition\u003c\/strong\u003e that has been part of Sicilian craft for centuries, rendered in the joyful cubist line and vivid Sicilian palette Susanna DeSimone's family has been known for since her father Giovanni DeSimone worked alongside Pablo Picasso in the mid-20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Susanna DeSimone piece is hand-crafted, hand-glazed, and hand-painted in Palermo. Because the work is fully handmade, no two pieces are ever identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe small imperfections such as the difference in color, shape, diameter or small bubbles that form inside, do not constitute a defect but testify that it is actually an artisanal product.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Santa with Bag Ornament — a Susanna DeSimone original\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-painted Sicilian majolica (tin-glazed earthenware)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Palermo, Sicily\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArtisan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Susanna DeSimone, Fabbrica della Ceramica\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Display piece · Dust with a soft, dry cloth · Not dishwasher safe\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Signed by Susanna DeSimone; bears the \"Fabbrica della Ceramica\" studio mark\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eQuestions buyers ask\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a good religious gift?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — this is a traditional Italian gift for \u003cstrong\u003ebaptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings, Christmas, and Easter\u003c\/strong\u003e. Susanna DeSimone's joyful, brightly-colored interpretation makes these contemporary heirlooms that work in modern Italian-American homes as well as more traditional ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this hand-painted in Palermo?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — every Susanna DeSimone piece is hand-crafted, hand-glazed, and hand-painted at Fabbrica della Ceramica in Palermo, Sicily. Nothing in this collection is mass-produced or imported from elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the difference between Susanna DeSimone and Giovanni DeSimone?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGiovanni DeSimone founded the studio in mid-20th-century Palermo and worked alongside Pablo Picasso, who shared his innovation of using bright red in glazed ceramics. Susanna DeSimone is Giovanni's daughter and continues the studio today, now operating as Fabbrica della Ceramica. She paints in a similar cubist-folk style as her father but with her own contemporary palette and signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy buy Italian gifts from Biordi rather than other retailers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBiordi Art Imports has been San Francisco's source for authentic Italian ceramics and gifts since 1946. Voted \u003cstrong\u003eBest Overall Retailer\u003c\/strong\u003e in the San Francisco Bay Guardian Best of the Bay readers' poll for \u003cstrong\u003efive consecutive years\u003c\/strong\u003e. Designated a \u003cstrong\u003eSan Francisco Legacy Business\u003c\/strong\u003e (#LBR-2020-21-029), and the city declared \u003cstrong\u003eMay 1 \"Biordi Art Imports Day\"\u003c\/strong\u003e in 2021. Every piece comes from a named Italian artisan, family workshop, or heritage house we work with directly — FIMA, CF Deruta, Pia Formato, Eugenio Ricciarelli, Susanna DeSimone, Geribi, Bucci Ceramiche, Ortigia Sicilia, Italesse, and Salviati. So each piece is genuinely one-of-a-kind. Not a stock-photo listing, not a mass-produced import, not a reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eARTISAN STORY\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Susanna DeSimone artistic tradition was founded in Palermo, Sicily, by her father \u003cstrong\u003eGiovanni DeSimone\u003c\/strong\u003e — a renowned and innovative artisan known for intense colors and a cubist drawing style similar to Pablo Picasso. Early in his career, Giovanni DeSimone worked alongside Picasso, and the two shared an innovation: the use of bright red in glazed ceramics, which Picasso loved. \u003cem\u003e\"I express what comes through my imagination, filtering old and new memories, comparing my experiences and my understanding,\"\u003c\/em\u003e Giovanni DeSimone wrote in 1991.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiordi Art Imports was the first US distributor of Giovanni DeSimone's work\u003c\/strong\u003e — a relationship that began in the studio's earliest years in America and continues today with his daughter, \u003cstrong\u003eSusanna DeSimone\u003c\/strong\u003e, who carries the tradition forward. Her limited production bears her signature alongside the studio's new name, \u003cstrong\u003eFabbrica della Ceramica\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DE SIMONE","offers":[{"title":"8.5\"","offer_id":28853643804725,"sku":"2862","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1001\/9802\/products\/image_2016faa5-c177-49a7-8053-900dff7c52f1.jpg?v=1667524134"},{"product_id":"angel-plaque-10-small","title":"Ornament - Susanna De Simone Happy Angel","description":"\u003ch4\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eOrnament - Susanna De Simone Happy Angel\u003c\/strong\u003e is hand-painted by \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/susanna-desimone\"\u003eSusanna DeSimone\u003c\/a\u003e at her family's historic studio — \u003cstrong\u003eFabbrica della Ceramica\u003c\/strong\u003e — in Palermo, Sicily. It is a contemporary continuation of the \u003cstrong\u003eItalian Catholic devotional ceramic tradition\u003c\/strong\u003e that has been part of Sicilian craft for centuries, rendered in the joyful cubist line and vivid Sicilian palette Susanna DeSimone's family has been known for since her father Giovanni DeSimone worked alongside Pablo Picasso in the mid-20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Susanna DeSimone piece is hand-crafted, hand-glazed, and hand-painted in Palermo. Because the work is fully handmade, no two pieces are ever identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe small imperfections such as the difference in color, shape, diameter or small bubbles that form inside, do not constitute a defect but testify that it is actually an artisanal product.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Happy Angel Ornament — a Susanna DeSimone original\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-painted Sicilian majolica (tin-glazed earthenware)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Palermo, Sicily\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArtisan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Susanna DeSimone, Fabbrica della Ceramica\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Display piece · Dust with a soft, dry cloth · Not dishwasher safe\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Signed by Susanna DeSimone; bears the \"Fabbrica della Ceramica\" studio mark\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eQuestions buyers ask\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a good religious gift?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — this is a traditional Italian gift for \u003cstrong\u003ebaptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings, Christmas, and Easter\u003c\/strong\u003e. Susanna DeSimone's joyful, brightly-colored interpretation makes these contemporary heirlooms that work in modern Italian-American homes as well as more traditional ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this hand-painted in Palermo?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — every Susanna DeSimone piece is hand-crafted, hand-glazed, and hand-painted at Fabbrica della Ceramica in Palermo, Sicily. Nothing in this collection is mass-produced or imported from elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the difference between Susanna DeSimone and Giovanni DeSimone?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGiovanni DeSimone founded the studio in mid-20th-century Palermo and worked alongside Pablo Picasso, who shared his innovation of using bright red in glazed ceramics. Susanna DeSimone is Giovanni's daughter and continues the studio today, now operating as Fabbrica della Ceramica. She paints in a similar cubist-folk style as her father but with her own contemporary palette and signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy buy Italian gifts from Biordi rather than other retailers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBiordi Art Imports has been San Francisco's source for authentic Italian ceramics and gifts since 1946. Voted \u003cstrong\u003eBest Overall Retailer\u003c\/strong\u003e in the San Francisco Bay Guardian Best of the Bay readers' poll for \u003cstrong\u003efive consecutive years\u003c\/strong\u003e. Designated a \u003cstrong\u003eSan Francisco Legacy Business\u003c\/strong\u003e (#LBR-2020-21-029), and the city declared \u003cstrong\u003eMay 1 \"Biordi Art Imports Day\"\u003c\/strong\u003e in 2021. Every piece comes from a named Italian artisan, family workshop, or heritage house we work with directly — FIMA, CF Deruta, Pia Formato, Eugenio Ricciarelli, Susanna DeSimone, Geribi, Bucci Ceramiche, Ortigia Sicilia, Italesse, and Salviati. So each piece is genuinely one-of-a-kind. Not a stock-photo listing, not a mass-produced import, not a reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eARTISAN STORY\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Susanna DeSimone artistic tradition was founded in Palermo, Sicily, by her father \u003cstrong\u003eGiovanni DeSimone\u003c\/strong\u003e — a renowned and innovative artisan known for intense colors and a cubist drawing style similar to Pablo Picasso. Early in his career, Giovanni DeSimone worked alongside Picasso, and the two shared an innovation: the use of bright red in glazed ceramics, which Picasso loved. \u003cem\u003e\"I express what comes through my imagination, filtering old and new memories, comparing my experiences and my understanding,\"\u003c\/em\u003e Giovanni DeSimone wrote in 1991.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiordi Art Imports was the first US distributor of Giovanni DeSimone's work\u003c\/strong\u003e — a relationship that began in the studio's earliest years in America and continues today with his daughter, \u003cstrong\u003eSusanna DeSimone\u003c\/strong\u003e, who carries the tradition forward. Her limited production bears her signature alongside the studio's new name, \u003cstrong\u003eFabbrica della Ceramica\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DE SIMONE","offers":[{"title":"6\" x 4\"","offer_id":41853764534325,"sku":"2973","price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1001\/9802\/products\/image_c92edcd4-cf02-47c9-8730-1f543d1748f3.jpg?v=1765133175"},{"product_id":"pias-raffaellesco-ornament","title":"Ornament- Raffaellesco by Pia","description":"\u003ch4\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA hand-painted Italian ceramic Christmas ornament, made in Deruta by Pia Formato. The ornament features the classic Raffaellesco pattern in miniature — the stylized golden dragon (attributed to the Renaissance master Raphael) and gold-and-blue scrollwork, scaled down for a 3-inch round ornament. Each piece is painted by Pia herself, so no two are exactly alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePia Formato is a Deruta artisan best known for inventing the Ricamo Rosso pattern (vibrant red with gold detail), but her shop produces other Deruta classics including Raffaellesco at this ornament scale. The ornament is made of hand-painted majolica (tin-glazed earthenware), the same material as Biordi's full-size Raffaellesco dinnerware. Small variations in color, line, and shape are signs of authentic hand-painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for the Christmas tree, but equally at home in a year-round display — on an ornament stand, suspended from a window, or grouped with other Pia and CF Deruta ornaments. A favorite under-$100 Italian gift, especially for newer collectors who want one Pia piece before committing to a tray or a larger work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3\" diameter\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-painted majolica (tin-glazed earthenware)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deruta, Italy\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArtisan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pia Formato\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Raffaellesco — golden dragon (attributed to Raphael) with gold and blue scrollwork\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative ceramic — wipe clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth · Not dishwasher safe · Not microwave safe · Not oven safe · Handle gently\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Individual ornament\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eQuestions buyers ask\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is Pia Formato?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA Deruta master artisan known for vibrant color work and her own invented pattern, Ricamo Rosso. She also produces classic Deruta patterns like Raffaellesco in smaller forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it really hand-painted?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Each ornament is hand-painted by Pia or her studio team in Deruta, Italy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I hang it on a tree?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes — the ornament includes a hanging loop. Use a sturdy hook; the piece is small but solid majolica.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does it compare to the full-size Raffaellesco dinnerware?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSame pattern, same workshop town, smaller scale. The dinnerware is produced by FIMA; this ornament is by Pia Formato.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it dishwasher safe?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo — decorative majolica ornament. Wipe clean with a soft, damp cloth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use it as year-round decor?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes — on an ornament stand or grouped in a bowl, it works as year-round Italian-ceramic decor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a good Italian wedding gift?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes — wedding gifts are one of the things Biordi is best known for. Hand-painted Italian ceramics are heirloom-quality, one-of-a-kind (no two pieces are ever exactly alike because each is hand-painted by a single artisan), and they carry their origin clearly: this piece is made in Deruta, Italy. Couples actually use and display Biordi pieces rather than store them. We ship nationwide, gift-wrap on request, and have been the San Francisco source for authentic Italian ceramics since 1946.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a good housewarming or hostess gift?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Gifts are the largest part of what Biordi sells — every piece is a one-of-a-kind, authentic Italian treasure made by a named artisan in Italy, not a mass-produced import. Arrives ready to use rather than store. Add Florentine gift wrap at checkout if you'd like it sent finished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy buy Italian gifts from Biordi rather than other retailers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBiordi Art Imports has been San Francisco's source for authentic Italian ceramics and gifts since 1946. Voted \u003cstrong\u003eBest Overall Retailer\u003c\/strong\u003e in the San Francisco Bay Guardian Best of the Bay readers' poll for \u003cstrong\u003efive consecutive years\u003c\/strong\u003e. Designated a \u003cstrong\u003eSan Francisco Legacy Business\u003c\/strong\u003e (#LBR-2020-21-029), and the city declared \u003cstrong\u003eMay 1 \"Biordi Art Imports Day\"\u003c\/strong\u003e in 2021. Every piece comes from a named Italian artisan, family workshop, or heritage house we work with directly — FIMA, CF Deruta, Pia Formato, Eugenio Ricciarelli, Susanna DeSimone (from the famous Palermo ceramic family — her father painted with Picasso), Geribi, Bucci Ceramiche, Ortigia Sicilia, Italesse, and Salviati. So each piece is genuinely one-of-a-kind. Not a stock-photo listing, not a mass-produced import, not a reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this be customized or personalized?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCustomization and personalization are available on select pieces. Eugenio Ricciarelli, FIMA, Pia Formato, Geribi, and CF Deruta accept special orders — a name, date, or occasion painted on the piece, or a different size or shape in the workshop's existing pattern. Lead time is typically 3–6 months because each piece is hand-painted to order in Italy. Contact Biordi Art Imports at (415) 392-8096 or customerservice@biordi.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eARTISAN STORY\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn old town of Deruta, nestled on the hilltop, stands Pia’s ceramic shop. Inside, Pia Formato, a master glazer known for her grand technical grasp, innovative designs and uncommonly vibrant colors, began twenty years ago with her interpretation of Eugenio’s geometric patterns. What has now become known as “Pia’s Red” is a vibrant red that results from a great deal of professional glazing skill. Pia’s patient endeavor showcased in all her works brings any table, any room and a mere meal to an occasion.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PIA","offers":[{"title":"3\"","offer_id":30879159255093,"sku":"3182","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1001\/9802\/products\/Pia_new_13.jpg?v=1603744787"},{"product_id":"susanna-de-simone-santa-plaque-1","title":"Ornament- Joyful Santa by Susanna De Simone","description":"\u003ch4\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eOrnament- Joyful Santa by Susanna De Simone\u003c\/strong\u003e is hand-painted by \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/susanna-desimone\"\u003eSusanna DeSimone\u003c\/a\u003e at her family's historic studio — \u003cstrong\u003eFabbrica della Ceramica\u003c\/strong\u003e — in Palermo, Sicily. It is a contemporary continuation of the \u003cstrong\u003eItalian Catholic devotional ceramic tradition\u003c\/strong\u003e that has been part of Sicilian craft for centuries, rendered in the joyful cubist line and vivid Sicilian palette Susanna DeSimone's family has been known for since her father Giovanni DeSimone worked alongside Pablo Picasso in the mid-20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Susanna DeSimone piece is hand-crafted, hand-glazed, and hand-painted in Palermo. Because the work is fully handmade, no two pieces are ever identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe small imperfections such as the difference in color, shape, diameter or small bubbles that form inside, do not constitute a defect but testify that it is actually an artisanal product.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Joyful Santa Ornament — a Susanna DeSimone original\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-painted Sicilian majolica (tin-glazed earthenware)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Palermo, Sicily\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArtisan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Susanna DeSimone, Fabbrica della Ceramica\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Display piece · Dust with a soft, dry cloth · Not dishwasher safe\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Signed by Susanna DeSimone; bears the \"Fabbrica della Ceramica\" studio mark\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eQuestions buyers ask\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a good religious gift?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — this is a traditional Italian gift for \u003cstrong\u003ebaptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings, Christmas, and Easter\u003c\/strong\u003e. Susanna DeSimone's joyful, brightly-colored interpretation makes these contemporary heirlooms that work in modern Italian-American homes as well as more traditional ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this hand-painted in Palermo?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — every Susanna DeSimone piece is hand-crafted, hand-glazed, and hand-painted at Fabbrica della Ceramica in Palermo, Sicily. Nothing in this collection is mass-produced or imported from elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the difference between Susanna DeSimone and Giovanni DeSimone?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGiovanni DeSimone founded the studio in mid-20th-century Palermo and worked alongside Pablo Picasso, who shared his innovation of using bright red in glazed ceramics. Susanna DeSimone is Giovanni's daughter and continues the studio today, now operating as Fabbrica della Ceramica. She paints in a similar cubist-folk style as her father but with her own contemporary palette and signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy buy Italian gifts from Biordi rather than other retailers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBiordi Art Imports has been San Francisco's source for authentic Italian ceramics and gifts since 1946. Voted \u003cstrong\u003eBest Overall Retailer\u003c\/strong\u003e in the San Francisco Bay Guardian Best of the Bay readers' poll for \u003cstrong\u003efive consecutive years\u003c\/strong\u003e. Designated a \u003cstrong\u003eSan Francisco Legacy Business\u003c\/strong\u003e (#LBR-2020-21-029), and the city declared \u003cstrong\u003eMay 1 \"Biordi Art Imports Day\"\u003c\/strong\u003e in 2021. Every piece comes from a named Italian artisan, family workshop, or heritage house we work with directly — FIMA, CF Deruta, Pia Formato, Eugenio Ricciarelli, Susanna DeSimone, Geribi, Bucci Ceramiche, Ortigia Sicilia, Italesse, and Salviati. So each piece is genuinely one-of-a-kind. Not a stock-photo listing, not a mass-produced import, not a reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eARTISAN STORY\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Susanna DeSimone artistic tradition was founded in Palermo, Sicily, by her father \u003cstrong\u003eGiovanni DeSimone\u003c\/strong\u003e — a renowned and innovative artisan known for intense colors and a cubist drawing style similar to Pablo Picasso. Early in his career, Giovanni DeSimone worked alongside Picasso, and the two shared an innovation: the use of bright red in glazed ceramics, which Picasso loved. \u003cem\u003e\"I express what comes through my imagination, filtering old and new memories, comparing my experiences and my understanding,\"\u003c\/em\u003e Giovanni DeSimone wrote in 1991.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiordi Art Imports was the first US distributor of Giovanni DeSimone's work\u003c\/strong\u003e — a relationship that began in the studio's earliest years in America and continues today with his daughter, \u003cstrong\u003eSusanna DeSimone\u003c\/strong\u003e, who carries the tradition forward. Her limited production bears her signature alongside the studio's new name, \u003cstrong\u003eFabbrica della Ceramica\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DE SIMONE","offers":[{"title":"8.5\"","offer_id":31245797228597,"sku":"3240","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1001\/9802\/products\/image_7a5909dd-0571-4f12-ae58-42176035b721.png?v=1640121233"},{"product_id":"susanna-de-simone-santa-plaque-running","title":"Ornament - Susanna De Simone Santa Kicking for Joy","description":"\u003ch4\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eOrnament - Susanna De Simone Santa Kicking for Joy\u003c\/strong\u003e is hand-painted by \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/susanna-desimone\"\u003eSusanna DeSimone\u003c\/a\u003e at her family's historic studio — \u003cstrong\u003eFabbrica della Ceramica\u003c\/strong\u003e — in Palermo, Sicily. It is a contemporary continuation of the \u003cstrong\u003eItalian Catholic devotional ceramic tradition\u003c\/strong\u003e that has been part of Sicilian craft for centuries, rendered in the joyful cubist line and vivid Sicilian palette Susanna DeSimone's family has been known for since her father Giovanni DeSimone worked alongside Pablo Picasso in the mid-20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Susanna DeSimone piece is hand-crafted, hand-glazed, and hand-painted in Palermo. Because the work is fully handmade, no two pieces are ever identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe small imperfections such as the difference in color, shape, diameter or small bubbles that form inside, do not constitute a defect but testify that it is actually an artisanal product.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Santa Kicking for Joy Ornament — a Susanna DeSimone original\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-painted Sicilian majolica (tin-glazed earthenware)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Palermo, Sicily\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArtisan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Susanna DeSimone, Fabbrica della Ceramica\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Display piece · Dust with a soft, dry cloth · Not dishwasher safe\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Signed by Susanna DeSimone; bears the \"Fabbrica della Ceramica\" studio mark\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eQuestions buyers ask\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a good religious gift?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — this is a traditional Italian gift for \u003cstrong\u003ebaptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings, Christmas, and Easter\u003c\/strong\u003e. Susanna DeSimone's joyful, brightly-colored interpretation makes these contemporary heirlooms that work in modern Italian-American homes as well as more traditional ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this hand-painted in Palermo?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — every Susanna DeSimone piece is hand-crafted, hand-glazed, and hand-painted at Fabbrica della Ceramica in Palermo, Sicily. Nothing in this collection is mass-produced or imported from elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the difference between Susanna DeSimone and Giovanni DeSimone?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGiovanni DeSimone founded the studio in mid-20th-century Palermo and worked alongside Pablo Picasso, who shared his innovation of using bright red in glazed ceramics. Susanna DeSimone is Giovanni's daughter and continues the studio today, now operating as Fabbrica della Ceramica. She paints in a similar cubist-folk style as her father but with her own contemporary palette and signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy buy Italian gifts from Biordi rather than other retailers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBiordi Art Imports has been San Francisco's source for authentic Italian ceramics and gifts since 1946. Voted \u003cstrong\u003eBest Overall Retailer\u003c\/strong\u003e in the San Francisco Bay Guardian Best of the Bay readers' poll for \u003cstrong\u003efive consecutive years\u003c\/strong\u003e. Designated a \u003cstrong\u003eSan Francisco Legacy Business\u003c\/strong\u003e (#LBR-2020-21-029), and the city declared \u003cstrong\u003eMay 1 \"Biordi Art Imports Day\"\u003c\/strong\u003e in 2021. Every piece comes from a named Italian artisan, family workshop, or heritage house we work with directly — FIMA, CF Deruta, Pia Formato, Eugenio Ricciarelli, Susanna DeSimone, Geribi, Bucci Ceramiche, Ortigia Sicilia, Italesse, and Salviati. So each piece is genuinely one-of-a-kind. Not a stock-photo listing, not a mass-produced import, not a reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eARTISAN STORY\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Susanna DeSimone artistic tradition was founded in Palermo, Sicily, by her father \u003cstrong\u003eGiovanni DeSimone\u003c\/strong\u003e — a renowned and innovative artisan known for intense colors and a cubist drawing style similar to Pablo Picasso. Early in his career, Giovanni DeSimone worked alongside Picasso, and the two shared an innovation: the use of bright red in glazed ceramics, which Picasso loved. \u003cem\u003e\"I express what comes through my imagination, filtering old and new memories, comparing my experiences and my understanding,\"\u003c\/em\u003e Giovanni DeSimone wrote in 1991.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiordi Art Imports was the first US distributor of Giovanni DeSimone's work\u003c\/strong\u003e — a relationship that began in the studio's earliest years in America and continues today with his daughter, \u003cstrong\u003eSusanna DeSimone\u003c\/strong\u003e, who carries the tradition forward. Her limited production bears her signature alongside the studio's new name, \u003cstrong\u003eFabbrica della Ceramica\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DE SIMONE","offers":[{"title":"8.5\"","offer_id":31245829374005,"sku":"3241","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1001\/9802\/products\/image_03c9377f-29d5-49c6-875c-b554452463da.jpg?v=1667523556"},{"product_id":"personalized-ornament-angels-w-24-karat-gold-6315-copy","title":"Ornament- Angels w\/ 24 Karat Gold","description":"\u003ch4\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exquisite \u003cstrong data-end=\"171\" data-start=\"138\"\u003ehand-painted Italian angels ornament\u003c\/strong\u003e is hand-painted by master artisan Carlo Favaroni, making it a truly unique holiday treasure. Crafted in Italy with genuine \u003cstrong data-end=\"322\" data-start=\"295\"\u003e24 karat gold detailing\u003c\/strong\u003e, this ornament can be customized with a name and date to create a meaningful, heirloom-quality gift.  Each \u003cstrong data-end=\"519\" data-start=\"486\"\u003eItalian ornament\u003c\/strong\u003e is elegantly finished with a delicate organza bow, bringing timeless artistry and sophistication to your holiday décor. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe small imperfections such as the difference in color, shape, diameter or small bubbles that form inside, do not constitute a defect but testify that it is actually an artisanal product.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eARTISAN STORY\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn old town Deruta, Ceramiche Favaroni Carlos sits atop the hill.  The owners Gabriella and Carlos paint exquisite and intricate ceramics in both traditional and modern designs. The attention to detail is noteworthy.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince the 1940s, Mr. Salvatore Favaroni has painted in various Deruta factories, creating inspired works following local traditions. In the 1970’s, Mr. Favaroni opened his own laboratory called “Ceramiche Favaroni Der\u003cwbr\u003euta” with decorations of \u003cwbr\u003eflowers, landscape \u0026amp; Castelli characterizing the production.\u003c\/wbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSalvatore’s decorations were developed without the use of the dusting (spolvero) technique,  so each piece is similar but never identical. The first dining table painted in Deruta, on volcanic stone brought directly from a famous company in Caltagirone, was painted by Salvatore, who painted it inspired by the “DecoroStoffa”, starting what \u003cwbr\u003ewould later be one of the most famous businesses from Deruta. Salvatore’s son Carlo, now runs the family business, called “CF DERUTA”. Today the production of classic decorations, bringstraditional designs back to the contemporary in colors \u0026amp; shapes.\u003cimg class=\"gmail-ajT\" src=\"https:\/\/ssl.gstatic.com\/ui\/v1\/icons\/mail\/images\/cleardot.gif\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail-adL\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail-im\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCF Deruta produces exceptional holiday décor for Biordi Art Imports.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"ADDITIONAL ARTISANS","offers":[{"title":"3\"","offer_id":44791065706549,"sku":"6417","price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1001\/9802\/files\/13585aae-b64e-47b2-9605-e90ee1d32448.jpg?v=1753854736"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1001\/9802\/collections\/biordi_christmas_ornaments_holiday_1.jpg?v=1626011592","url":"https:\/\/biordi.com\/collections\/ornaments\/gift_artisanal-italian-gift+region_deruta.oembed","provider":"Biordi Art Imports","version":"1.0","type":"link"}