Hand-Painted Blue Carnation Fish Platter – Garafano Faenza

This generous 18" x 11" fish platter pairs graceful silhouette with historic decoration. The celebrated Garofano motif—flowing scrolls, stylized carnations, and delicate flourishes—unfolds across the interior in rich cobalt, warm rust, and earthy tones. A luminous tin-glaze ground enhances each brushstroke, while the gently contoured rim and detailed fins give the piece movement and presence.

The Garofano design first appeared in 18th-century Faenza and became the city’s most iconic ceramic pattern. Inspired by imagined Eastern gardens and interpreted through Italian craftsmanship, it remains a symbol of refinement and continuity. Each platter is formed, glazed, and painted freehand, preserving a rhythm of artistry that cannot be replicated by machine.

Artisan & Place

Handcrafted in Faenza, Italy—renowned for its centuries-old maiolica tradition—this platter reflects generations of ceramic mastery. Artisans work in small workshops, applying luminous white enamel before painting each Garofano bloom by hand, continuing techniques passed from maestro to apprentice.

Artisanal Authenticity Statement

Small imperfections—such as variations in color, shape, diameter, or the presence of tiny bubbles within the glaze—do not constitute a defect. They are a testament to the authenticity of a truly handcrafted artisanal piece.

Product Details

• Handcrafted in Italy

• Artisan-made in Faenza, Italy

• Hand-painted Garofano (Carnation) design

• Fish-shaped serving platter, 18" x 11"

• Natural variations expected

Styling & Use Inspiration

Perfect for serving whole fish, grilled vegetables, or coastal-inspired dishes, this platter brings the spirit of la tavola italiana to gatherings by the sea or in the city. Displayed on a wall or sideboard, it becomes a statement of Italian hospitality and timeless design.

At Maestri Maiolicari Faentini workshop was founded in 1978 in Faenza by Lea Emiliani, artisans still work as they have for generations: forming each vessel by hand, applying a luminous white enamel, and painting every Garofano bloom freehand with steady brush and practiced eye. No decals. No shortcuts. Only time, tradition, and the quiet discipline of true craftsmanship.

Inspired by the 17th century Japanese Imari style, the Blue Carnation design was first developed showing a stylized representation of the Japanese garden. Originating in Lodi near Milan, Blue Carnation is now produced in Rimini by the Adriatic Sea. The original owner Bruno Brolli has turned over the workshop to his apprentice Roberto del Vecchio. 

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.