Buon Ricordo Bowl 7 by Giovanni DeSimone – Vintage Italian Ceramic Collectible

 Autogrill Buon Ricordo Bowl by Giovanni DeSimone – Vintage Italian Ceramic Collectible

A collectible, one of a kind treasure. Bring home a rare and meaningful piece of Italian design and culinary history with this vintage Autogrill Buon Ricordo bowl, created by acclaimed Sicilian ceramicist Giovanni DeSimone in the 1970s and 1980s. Produced in collaboration with Autogrill, Italy’s iconic highway rest stop chain, these hand-painted ceramic bowls were part of a unique cultural initiative that celebrated regional cuisine, art, and travel.

Known as “Piatti del Buon Ricordo” (Plates of Good Memory), each plate was offered to travelers who ordered a special regional dish—serving as both functional tableware and a commemorative souvenir. The initiative combined Italian food, folk art, and tourism into a collectible experience that lives on today through these highly sought-after ceramics.

Artistry and Symbolism

Each plate features the vivid, whimsical style of Giovanni DeSimone, whose work is deeply rooted in Sicilian folk traditions and influenced by modernists like Picasso. The imagery often depicted local culinary specialties, historical landmarks, or regional symbols tied to the specific Autogrill location.

For example:

• A plate from Autogrill di Aglio may illustrate the castles of the Mugello region.

• One from Cantagallo could showcase experiments by famed inventor Guglielmo Marconi.

These plates were manufactured by Ceraminter using a process that involved applying printed decals to raw ceramic, followed by glazing and firing—resulting in durable, consistent, and beautifully illustrated pieces. Each plate measures approximately 10 inches in diameter and is signed "DeSimone", verifying its authenticity.

Key Features:

• Genuine vintage Buon Ricordo bowl from the Autogrill collection

• Original DeSimone design, handmade in Italy and produced by Ceraminter

• Vivid, hand-applied illustrations of regional Italian dishes and landmarks

• Signature style influenced by Picasso and Sicilian folk art

• Ideal for wall display, vintage kitchen décor, or collector’s showcases

• Rare and highly collectible Italian ceramic from the 20th century

Why Collect Buon Ricordo Plates?

First introduced in 1964, Buon Ricordo plates were never sold in stores—they were earned through culinary experience, making them rare and deeply meaningful. The Autogrill edition, created with DeSimone, is especially collectible due to its limited production and distinctive regional storytelling.

Whether you're a fan of vintage Italian pottery, a lover of regional Italian food culture, or a collector of Giovanni DeSimone ceramics, this plate offers a tangible connection to Italy’s art, travel, and tradition.

Explore More at Biordi Art Imports

Biordi Art Imports curates a distinguished collection of authentic Italian ceramics, including DeSimone vintage plates, hand-painted majolica, artisan-crafted stoneware, and heritage kitchen collectibles. Discover heirloom pieces that embody the spirit of Italy—past and present.

Giovanni De Simone: The Bold Visionary of Sicilian Ceramics

Giovanni De Simone, the renowned ceramic artist from Palermo, Sicily, is celebrated for his vibrant use of color, cubist-inspired designs, and bold, imaginative storytelling through clay. A true innovator in the world of Italian ceramics, De Simone blended centuries-old Sicilian traditions with a distinctly modern voice, making his work instantly recognizable and highly collectible around the world.

Early in his life, Giovanni De Simone had the extraordinary opportunity to work alongside Pablo Picasso, an experience that profoundly influenced his artistic journey. Known for his fearless use of bright red glaze, De Simone once shared:
“Picasso loved that innovation. I express what comes through my imagination, filtering old and new memories, comparing my experiences and my understanding.” — Giovanni De Simone, 1991

De Simone’s pieces are characterized by their playful yet sophisticated cubist drawing style, bold black outlines, and joyful depictions of Sicilian life—fishermen, sun-soaked villages, lemons, roosters, and musicians—all painted in intense primary colors. His work pays homage to Mediterranean folklore, childhood memories, and the raw, expressive energy of mid-century modern art.

As a master of handcrafted Sicilian maiolica, De Simone’s ceramics are not only functional but deeply personal. Every plate, vase, pitcher, and tile carries the unmistakable imprint of his imagination, capturing the soul of Sicily with a modern, avant-garde twist.

Today, the Giovanni De Simone Studio continues his legacy, producing authentic De Simone ceramics by hand in Palermo, staying true to his original techniques, color palette, and design spirit.

At Biordi Art Imports, we are proud to offer select De Simone ceramics, rare pieces that celebrate the genius of a man who forever changed the landscape of Italian artisan pottery.

Explore the world of Giovanni De Simone—where Sicilian tradition meets modern artistic brilliance.

Italian ceramics are heirloom quality products, and can last lifetime with proper care. We have some suggestions that will preserve your majolica for years to come.

Majolica is dishwasher safe, but many people choose to hand wash their pieces as a precaution. Because majolica is a porous material, some pieces are not meant to hold liquid for a long period of time. Check for warning labels before ordering a product, as the pieces that are most notorious for "sweating" are appropriately labeled.

Majolica is sensitive to extreme temperatures, specifically boiling or freezing liquids. Pouring water with a rolling boil directly into a teapot, for example, may lead to breakage. To avoid this, temper the object. The industry standard is 620 degrees Celsius (1,148 degrees Fahrenheit). Quench the glass to cool it.

Crazing is common in well used majolica. The tiny cracks in the glaze do not affect the functionality of your majolica.

Majolica hand-crafted products should not be microwaved, as it may crack and/or break the ceramics.

UPS Ground

Flat shipping charge of $10 for each shipment of merchandise under $100.00. For orders of $100.00 or more, shipping is 10% of the order total.

UPS Next Day Air

Flat shipping charge of $63 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 90% of the order total.

UPS 2-Day Priority (Rush Shipping)

Flat shipping charge of $42 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 60% of the order total. Note: This option is required for shipping to Alaska and Hawaii.

USPS 3-Day Priority

Flat shipping charge of $21 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 30% of the order total.

International Shipments

Please contact us at customerservice@biordi.com or call us at (415) 392-8096 for quotes to ship internationally.

You will be charged a rate based on your delivery area, value and shipping preference. For items shipped via UPS, see below for information pricing information. Once the package is shipped, you will receive an email with tracking information to track your package.