Contrade Assorted Set of 4 Desert Plates From Siena

The Contrade hand-painted appetizer/dessert plates from Siena are now available in a assorted set of 4 District designs. The plates, all brightly painted in joyful colors and designs, bring joy to any occasion.  These plates of the Contrade are rich with history. During the Renaissance, Siena was partitioned into districts or neighborhoods called Contrade to supply troops to the military.  Typically, there were trademen within the neighborhoods and represented by a symbol or animal.  These are the designs on the Contrade Dinnerware.  Today, the people of Siena are as passionate as ever for their Contrade.  Each district competes in the Piazza del Campo rides for the glory of winning  a biannual horse race called the Palio di Siena, which dates back to 1656. 

Contrade of Siena

Eagle | Notaries

Silkworm | Silk Trade

Snail | Terracotta Makers

Owl | Shoemakers

Dragon | Bankers

Giraffe | Painters

Porcupine | Blacksmiths

Unicorn | Goldsmiths

She-Wolf | Bakers

Seashell | Potters

Goose | Dye Makers

Dolphin | Carpenters

Panthers | Grocers, Chemists and Steamers

Turtle | Sculptors

Ram | Tailors

Elephant | Wool Combers

Rhinoceros | Archers & Weavers    

In 1986, Walter Staccioli began producing Italian ceramic pieces incorporating the Contrade patterns of Siena. Today, based upon each Contrada’s individual flag that festoons rider and horse in events surrounding the Palio di Siena, Sonia Staccioli and her sister Jada carry on the traditions. These works of art can only be found exclusively at Biordi and the Staccioli workshop at the Piazza del Campo in Siena.

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.