Hand-Painted Italian Buon Ricordo Plate – Swordfish Motif

A hand-painted Buon Ricordo ceramic plate from Mortelle, Sicily, featuring a striking swordfish composition tied to coastal cuisine. Created for a historic Italian restaurant, it reflects the flavors and traditions of the sea. A distinctive collectible for seafood lovers and Italian ceramics enthusiasts.

This Buon Ricordo plate captures the essence of Sicilian coastal dining through a bold yet refined hand-painted design. At its center, two stylized swordfish face one another in symmetry, their forms rendered in fluid brushstrokes of soft gray and blue. Above them, a small dish of herbs and garnish hints at the preparation of filetto di pesce spada alle erbe, a classic Mediterranean specialty rooted in simplicity and freshness.

Encircling the scene, the inscription “Alberto Ristorante Sporting – Mortelle (ME)” anchors the plate to its place along Sicily’s northeastern coast, where seafood traditions are deeply woven into daily life. The rim is finished with a soft blue wash and green edge, evoking sea and shoreline in a restrained, elegant palette.

Part of the Buon Ricordo (“Good Memory”) tradition, this plate was originally gifted to guests who ordered the restaurant’s signature dish—transforming a meal into a lasting memory. Handcrafted and hand-painted in Italy, each piece reflects the individuality of the artisan’s hand, making it truly one-of-a-kind.

Highly sought after by collectors of Italian ceramics and culinary memorabilia, this plate is ideal for display in a kitchen or dining room, or as a meaningful gift for a host, wedding, or seafood enthusiast. Unlike mass-produced pieces, its subtle variations and painterly details speak to its authenticity and heritage.

Artisan & Place
Handcrafted in Italy as part of the Buon Ricordo tradition; specific artisan not indicated.

Product Details

• Handcrafted in Italy
• Hand-painted ceramic
• One-of-a-kind restaurant commemorative plate
• Natural variations expected

Styling & Use
Perfect for collectors, coastal home décor, or those who appreciate Italian seafood traditions. Display on a wall, style within a plate gallery, or use as a conversation piece during Italian-inspired meals and gatherings.

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.