Saint Francis and Baby Jesus Cloisonné Style Tile - 8" x 6"

St Francis and Baby Jesus 

Sacred Ceramic Art by Luciano Sr.

Discover the beauty of sacred ceramic objects handcrafted in the distinctive Mediterranean naïve style created by renowned Italian artist Luciano Sr.. These pieces reimagine and breathe new life into classical religious icons, including the beloved “Madonna del Riposo” by Roberto Ferruzzi (1897) and the sculptural masterpieces of Andrea della Robbia’s Holy Mary figures.

Luciano’s sacred art is elevated by his signature relief ceramic technique, and in select pieces, the detail is further enhanced through bas-relief elements. The combination of these traditional and innovative methods creates depth and texture, making each piece a true work of spiritual and artistic significance.

The brilliance of the Mediterranean color palette—rich blues, sunny yellows, and earthy terracottas—adds warmth and vitality to these devotional ceramics. Revered both in Italy and internationally, Luciano's sacred creations reflect a timeless connection between Italian craftsmanship, faith, and artistic heritage.

Perfect for collectors, religious institutions, or those seeking meaningful artisan-made decor, Luciano’s sacred ceramics are a celebration of Italian sacred art reinterpreted through a fresh and colorful lens.

Luciano's Innovative Cloisonné-Inspired Ceramic Technique from Vietri sul Mare

Luciano, a renowned Italian ceramic artist from Vietri sul Mare, developed an innovative ceramic technique inspired by the ancient art of Cloisonné jewelry—a breakthrough that gained him acclaim both in Italy and internationally. His unique process involves creating a relief design with raised outlines, into which hand-applied colors and transparent glazes are precisely filled. After firing, the surface lies perfectly smooth, yet the vibrant colors remain neatly enclosed within the defined borders of the design.

Unlike traditional Vietri ceramics that commonly use red clay, Luciano’s work is crafted on pure white clay, which intensifies the brilliance of the colored vitreous enamels and brings the intricate design to life. The result is a stunning, glass-like finish that recalls the elegance of stained glass artwork, reimagined in ceramic form.

Luciano’s technique reinterprets local and traditional iconography, presenting an original and artistic view of the Mediterranean lifestyle. His ceramics often feature rural Italian scenes, fishermen, and sun-drenched coastal houses, celebrating the charm and culture of the Amalfi Coast.

Celebrated Polish-German artist Irene Kowaliska, one of the first modern ceramists to work in Vietri sul Mare, admired Luciano’s groundbreaking style so much that she entrusted him with reference images of her own ceramic works to use as inspiration.

Luciano’s work stands as a masterful blend of tradition and innovation, and his Cloisonné-inspired technique continues to distinguish him in the world of Italian majolica ceramics.

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.