Hand-Painted Italian Buon Ricordo Plate – Mantova Cappone

A hand-painted Buon Ricordo plate from Mantova, celebrating cappone alla Stefani. Crafted in Italy, this collectible ceramic reflects the rich culinary heritage of Lombardy. A charming piece for collectors and lovers of traditional Italian cuisine.

This hand-painted Buon Ricordo plate from Mantova captures the festive and storied character of Lombard cuisine. Created for “Ristorante Il Cigno,” the design honors cappone alla Stefani, a traditional dish often associated with celebratory meals and seasonal gatherings.

At its center, a stylized capon is framed within an ornate medallion, surrounded by delicate scrollwork and clusters of grapes—an elegant nod to the agricultural richness of the Mantuan countryside. The palette is vibrant yet balanced: soft greens, deep purples, and warm reds contrast beautifully against the creamy ceramic ground. A hand-painted blue rim adds structure and definition, while the lettering encircles the plate, clearly marking its origin in Mantova.

The composition blends rustic tradition with decorative refinement, reflecting the culinary culture of a region where food is deeply tied to history and celebration. As with all Buon Ricordo plates, this piece was originally gifted to guests who ordered the restaurant’s signature dish, preserving a meaningful memory of a shared Italian meal.

Each plate is individually hand-painted in Italy, with subtle variations in brushwork and glaze that distinguish it from factory-made ceramics. Ideal for the collector, the entertainer, or anyone drawn to the richness of Italian regional cuisine, this plate offers both visual beauty and cultural depth.

Artisan & Place
Handcrafted in Italy, representing the Buon Ricordo ceramic tradition and the culinary heritage of Mantova, Lombardy.

Product Details

• Handcrafted in Italy
• Hand-painted ceramic
• Restaurant-specific commemorative design
• Natural variations expected

Styling & Use
Perfect for collectors of Buon Ricordo plates, Italian cuisine enthusiasts, or those curating a warm, heritage-inspired kitchen. Ideal for wall display, gallery arrangements, or as a thoughtful gift for a hostess, wedding guest, or holiday entertainer.

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.

Curated by Biordi Art Imports — San Francisco’s Italian ceramics authority since 1946.

The Artisan Story of Vietri sul Mare – Home of the Legendary Solimene Ceramics

Nestled on the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Vietri sul Mare is more than a picturesque village—it’s the beating heart of Italy’s ceramic tradition. For over five centuries, this seaside town has been a sanctuary for artisans, where clay meets culture, and every brushstroke tells a story of heritage, joy, and Italian life.

At the center of this tradition stands the iconic Solimene Workshop, founded in the mid-20th century by Vincenzo Solimene, a visionary ceramicist who redefined the art form. Housed in a striking architectural structure designed by Paolo Soleri, the Ceramiche Solimene factory has become a symbol of modern Italian ceramics. Its exterior—clad in colorful shards of tile—is as vibrant and expressive as the ceramics created within its walls.

Inside, generations of artisans handcraft and hand-paint each piece using centuries-old techniques. The workshop is known for its whimsical forms, bold colors, and playful patterns—often inspired by local flora, marine life, and traditional Mediterranean folklore. Every piece from Solimene carries the joyful, sun-drenched spirit of Vietri and the hands of the artists who bring it to life.

Vietri sul Mare is also the birthplace of the beloved Buon Ricordo plates, limited-edition ceramic dishes originally commissioned by restaurants across Italy. Many of these rare, collectible plates were produced at Solimene, each one capturing the flavors, colors, and memories of Italy’s rich culinary regions.

At Biordi Art Imports, we are proud to bring you rare and authentic Vietri ceramics, including pieces from the legendary Solimene Workshop. These are not just ceramics—they are expressions of history, art, and Italian soul.

From the kilns of Solimene to your home, every piece is a masterpiece of tradition.

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.