Terracotta Small Vase with 24 kt gold

The Terracotta Small Vase with 24kt Gold is a one-of-a-kind decorative vase, hand-formed and hand-finished in Deruta, Italy by Iva Boccali. Its softly textured terracotta body is nature-inspired and unmistakably modern, with veins of real 24-karat gold tracing the surface — a contemporary nod to kintsugi, the idea that where a thing cracks, it can become precious.

Iva Boccali is the daughter of Renaissance master Francesca Niccacci of Deruta. Where her mother paints in the classic tradition, Iva works in a modern voice — and this vase belongs to her Sensibilities line, the first collection created for the Biordi Collezione. It is exclusive to Biordi Art Imports.

At 7" x 5", it's a small sculptural statement for a shelf, mantel, or bedside table. Its warm terracotta and gold sit beautifully alongside both contemporary interiors and Biordi's traditional Deruta majolica, bridging old and new on one table.

The 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.

Dimensions: 7" x 5"
Material: Hand-formed Italian terracotta with 24-karat gold
Made in: Deruta, Umbria, Italy
Workshop: Iva Boccali
Pattern: Sensibilities — modern, nature-inspired texture with gold-filled detailing
Heritage: Contemporary Deruta; the IVABO line, created for the Biordi Collezione
Care: Decorative piece — wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. Not dishwasher safe; do not soak. Keep the gilded surface away from abrasives.
Sold as: Individual, one of a kind
Mixes with: Other Iva Boccali Sensibilities pieces; a modern complement to traditional Deruta

What is the gold on this vase, and what does it mean? It's real 24-karat gold, applied by hand. Iva's Sensibilities line treats cracks and texture as something to celebrate rather than hide — gold marks the places life has touched the piece, in the spirit of Japanese kintsugi. No two are gilded exactly alike.

Can I put fresh flowers and water in it? It's first and foremost a decorative art vase. Terracotta is porous and the gilding shouldn't be soaked, so for fresh flowers drop a small glass or water-tight liner inside. It's lovely as-is for dried stems, a single branch, or simply on its own as a sculptural piece.

Is this a good Italian wedding gift? Yes. It's a one-of-a-kind, signed artisan piece with real gold and a meaning — finding beauty in imperfection — that suits a marriage. It reads as a keepsake rather than everyday tableware, and it's exclusive to Biordi.

Is this a good housewarming or hostess gift? Yes. It's a finished, ready-to-display statement that needs no styling — it stands on its own on a shelf or table, and the modern terracotta-and-gold look fits almost any home.

Why buy Italian gifts from Biordi rather than other retailers? Biordi Art Imports has been San Francisco's source for authentic Italian ceramics since 1946 and is a San Francisco Legacy Business. We buy directly from named Italian artisans — FIMA, CF Deruta, Pia Formato, Eugenio Ricciarelli, Susanna DeSimone, Geribi, Bucci Ceramiche, Ortigia Sicilia, Italesse, and Salviati — so every piece is the real thing, with the maker's story behind it. This vase is exclusive to Biordi.

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.

Sensibilities — Iva Boccali's modern line — Iva named her collection Sensibilities to honor the value of fragility: the cracks, falls, and scars that make a life — and a piece — its own. “I learned to make my scars precious by enhancing the cracks. My sculptures are like those people who charm you, not because they show classic beauty, but because they are not afraid to show their scars.”

Iva Boccali, Deruta, Umbria — Iva is the daughter of master artisan Francesca Niccacci of Deruta. Where Francesca is known for her Renaissance work, Iva creates modern, contemporary pieces — carrying Deruta's centuries-old ceramic tradition into the future by bridging the traditional and the modern. Her IVABO line was the first collection developed for the Biordi Collezione, exclusive to Biordi Art Imports.

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.