Collectible Majolica B-61: Salt and Pepper Set

A hand-painted majolica salt and pepper set, made in Deruta by master artisan Eugenio Ricciarelli in his B-61 peacock design. Two matching shakers — table-size, hand-painted with the same deep blues, gold, and small painted accents that define Eugenio's B-61 work. Comes as a coordinated pair.

Every line is painted freehand without the spolvero (dusting) technique used for reproduction, so no two B-61 sets are identical. Mixes naturally with other Eugenio kitchen and table pieces.

Use it daily at the table, set it out for guests, or pair it with the matching B-61 spoon rest or butter dish. A small, useful gift — easy to wrap, easy to use, immediately recognizable as Italian on any 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: Hand-painted majolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
Made in: Deruta, Italy
Artisan: Eugenio Ricciarelli
Pattern: B-61 — peacock design in Eugenio's signature deep blues and gold
Care: Hand-wash recommended · Not microwave safe · Not oven safe · Food safe (lead-free glaze)
Sold as: Set of 2 (salt + pepper)
Availability: Currently out of stock — available by special order, 3–6 month lead time

Does it come as a set?
Yes — salt and pepper shakers sold together as a coordinated pair.

What is the B-61 pattern?
One of Eugenio Ricciarelli's signature peacock designs in deep blues and gold. B-61 is the workshop pattern number.

How do I special-order this?
Call Biordi at (415) 392-8096 or email customerservice@biordi.com. Lead time is 3–6 months because Eugenio paints each piece to order.

Will it match other Eugenio kitchen pieces?
Yes — the B-61 spoon rest, butter dish, sugar and creamer, and utensil holder all coordinate. Mixing different Eugenio patterns also reads beautifully.

Is it food safe?
Yes — lead-free, food-safe majolica glaze.

Is this a good Italian wedding gift?
Yes — 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.

Is this a good housewarming or hostess gift?
Yes. 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.

Why buy Italian gifts from Biordi rather than other retailers?
Biordi Art Imports has been San Francisco's source for authentic Italian ceramics and gifts since 1946. Voted Best Overall Retailer in the San Francisco Bay Guardian Best of the Bay readers' poll for five consecutive years. Designated a San Francisco Legacy Business (#LBR-2020-21-029), and the city declared May 1 "Biordi Art Imports Day" 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.

Can this be customized or 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.

Eugenio Ricciarelli is one of the most beloved artisans in Deruta. Eugenio began working at 13 in a painting factory. He then became an apprentice for the esteemed Franco Mari, eventually running Franco Mari's studio for many years. Eugenio, known for his geometric designs and hues of blue, produces his works in 12 simplified patterns and 65 full designs. They are available by "special order" in any of his patterns, dish size, mug, goblet or cup and saucer set you choose. We recommend mixing different patterns when collecting these plates. Typically, allow Eugenio 3 to 6 months to complete your special orders – as each piece is made for you, and can also be personalized with your name and/or the occasion.

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.