Busatti Lemon Tree Jacquard Hand Towel

A jacquard hand towel woven by the Busatti family in Anghiari, Tuscany, with a lemon tree in an urn — one of the oldest motifs in Italian decorative art, and the one most associated with a Tuscan or Amalfi table. It is 60% linen and 40% cotton with a simple machine hem, and carries a Biordi Art Imports label.

The towel is woven on mechanical shuttle looms dating to the early twentieth century. The jacquard weave gives it texture and absorbency at the same time — linen dries glassware without leaving lint, and the cotton keeps it soft.

Lemons are the safest Italian motif to give someone whose kitchen you have not seen. Pair with Ortigia Sicilia soaps for a citrus gift, or with Deruta yellows for a table.

The 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.

Material: 60% linen / 40% cotton, jacquard weave, machine hem
Made in: Anghiari, Tuscany
Workshop: Busatti — weaving in Anghiari since 1842
Pattern: Lemon tree in an urn, jacquard
Heritage: Tuscan handloom weaving, Tiber Valley
Care: First wash at 104°F, later washes up to 140°F · No fabric softener · Line dry
Sold as: individual
Mixes with: Ortigia Sicilia, Deruta yellows, other Busatti linens

Is the lemon tree printed or woven?
Woven. The jacquard loom builds the motif into the cloth, so it shows on both faces and will not crack or wash off.

Will it shrink?
Yes, 7–8%. Busatti cloth contains no synthetic fiber, so first-wash shrinkage is normal.

Is this a good Italian wedding gift?
On its own it is a small gift rather than a main one. It works well tucked in with a larger piece, or as part of a set of Busatti linens.

Is this a good housewarming or hostess gift?
Yes, and it is one of the easiest to give — no sizing, no color matching, and the lemon motif suits almost any kitchen.

Why buy Italian gifts from Biordi rather than other retailers?
Biordi Art Imports has been San Francisco's source for authentic Italian goods since 1946 and is a San Francisco Legacy Business (#LBR-2020-21-029). Pieces are bought directly from the Italian workshops that make them — FIMA, CF Deruta, Pia Formato, Eugenio Ricciarelli, Susanna DeSimone, Geribi, Bucci Ceramiche, Ortigia Sicilia, Italesse, and Salviati among them. Nothing comes through a distributor, and staff can tell you who made your piece and where.

Can this be customized or personalized?
Busatti linens are woven to set patterns and are not personalized. Customization 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.

Lemon tree in an urn — The potted citrus tree is a fixture of Italian villa courtyards, where lemons were grown in urns so they could be moved indoors through winter. The motif has appeared in Italian textiles and ceramics for centuries.

Busatti, Anghiari (Tuscany) — The Busatti family has been weaving in Anghiari, on the border of Tuscany and Umbria, since 1842. In 1796 a textile mill at the Castle of Anghiari wove cloth for French troops stationed along the Tiber; by 1808 it served the local community instead. Giuseppe Busatti, great-great-grandfather of the present owners, built hundreds of handlooms, created a network of home weavers through the Tiber Valley, bought the finest linens and cottons, and set the standard of craftsmanship that still carries the family name. Linen and cotton are still dyed on the thread using Busatti's own colors — among them guado, henna, onion, sage, and carrot — and embroidery is still hand-guided.

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.