Raffaellesco Rosso 15” Square Tray – Hand-Painted Italian Ceramic Serving Tray

A 15-inch square hand-painted Italian majolica tray in Pia Formato's Raffaellesco Rosso pattern — a Pia original that combines two of Deruta's most iconic designs: the golden dragon of Raffaellesco (attributed to the Renaissance master Raphael) and the vivid red-and-gold scrollwork of Ricamo Rosso, Pia's own signature pattern. Raffaellesco Rosso is exclusive to Pia Formato — no other Deruta workshop produces this pattern. Each piece is hand-painted by Pia or her studio team, and because the work is technically demanding, larger pieces like this one are one-at-a-time productions.

Measuring 15" × 15" and made of hand-painted majolica (tin-glazed earthenware) with a glossy lead-free glaze, the tray is sized to serve as both a functional piece and a centerpiece. The square format and vivid red field make it a strong visual anchor on a dining table, sideboard, or kitchen island. Small variations in color, line, and shape are signs of authentic hand-painting, not defects.

Use it for serving antipasti, cheeses, charcuterie, or desserts; as a tray for cocktails or cordials; or as a year-round centerpiece holding candles, citrus, or seasonal florals. A signature gift piece for a wedding, anniversary, or a serious housewarming — the kind of object that anchors the room it sits in.

Dimensions: 15" × 15" square
Material: Hand-painted majolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
Made in: Deruta, Italy
Artisan: Pia Formato (exclusive pattern)
Pattern: Raffaellesco Rosso — Pia's combination of Raffaellesco (gold dragon attributed to Raphael) and Ricamo Rosso (her signature red-and-gold scrollwork). Exclusive to Pia Formato.
Care: Hand-wash recommended · Dishwasher safe top rack on a gentle cycle (hand-wash for longest life) · Not microwave safe · Not oven safe · Food safe
Sold as: Individual tray (one-at-a-time hand production)

What is Raffaellesco Rosso?
A Pia Formato original — her combination of two classic Deruta patterns. From Raffaellesco she takes the golden dragon (attributed to Raphael); from her own Ricamo Rosso she takes the vivid red ground and gold scrollwork. The pattern is exclusive to Pia — no other Deruta workshop produces it.

Can I buy Raffaellesco Rosso from another Deruta workshop?
No. Raffaellesco Rosso is exclusive to Pia Formato. Standard Raffaellesco (gold dragon with gold-and-blue scrollwork) is produced by FIMA and other Deruta workshops, but the red "Rosso" version is Pia's own.

Is this the same as Raffaellesco?
No. Standard Raffaellesco uses gold and blue scrollwork around the dragon. Raffaellesco Rosso swaps that out for Pia's signature red.

Is this the same as Ricamo Rosso?
No. Ricamo Rosso is the pure red-and-gold scrollwork pattern Pia is best known for. Raffaellesco Rosso adds the golden dragon at the center.

Who is Pia Formato?
A Deruta master glazer known for technical precision and uncommonly vibrant color. She developed Ricamo Rosso ("Pia's Red") over twenty years ago, and Raffaellesco Rosso is one of her signature evolutions of it — a pattern made only in her workshop.

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

Can it go in the dishwasher?
Top rack on a gentle cycle is acceptable, but hand-washing is recommended for longest life. Avoid microwave and oven.

Is it really hand-painted?
Yes. Each tray is hand-painted by Pia or her studio team in Deruta, Italy. Pia's larger pieces are produced one at a time.

What goes with it?
Pia's smaller Ricamo Rosso pieces, classic Raffaellesco dinnerware (the gold and red palettes coordinate naturally), and Antico Deruta.

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.

In old town of Deruta, nestled on the hilltop, stands Pia’s ceramic shop. Inside, Pia Formato, a master glazer known for her grand technical grasp, innovative designs and uncommonly vibrant colors, began twenty years ago with her interpretation of Eugenio’s geometric patterns. What has now become known as “Pia’s Red” is a vibrant red that results from a great deal of professional glazing skill. Pia’s patient endeavor showcased in all her works brings any table, any room and a mere meal to an 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.