VINTAGE & COLLECTIBLE CERAMICS Bertini “Leone” Italian Ceramic Canister

Curated vintage Italian ceramic canister
Hand-painted in Italy

Regal and richly decorated, this Bertini Lion Canister is a distinctive piece of vintage Italian ceramic art, combining a classic apothecary-inspired form with bold heraldic imagery.

The focal point is a magnificent golden lion, dramatically posed against a deep cobalt-blue ground. Framed by stylized ivory flourishes and touches of green, the lion gives the canister an almost heraldic quality—strong, elegant, and unmistakably Old World.

Bands of cobalt blue, golden ochre, ivory, black, and green surround the vessel, with intricate scrolling decoration around the neck and rhythmic painted borders at the base. The coordinating fitted lid is finished with a rounded cobalt finial, completing the architectural silhouette.

Measuring approximately 8" high x 5" wide, the canister has a substantial decorative presence without overwhelming a space. Display it in the kitchen, on open shelving, in a library or study, or alongside other vintage Italian ceramics. Its striking lion motif also makes it particularly appealing as a standalone collectible.

For collectors of Bertini Italian ceramics, this piece offers an engaging combination of traditional ornament, saturated Mediterranean color, and distinctive figural decoration.

As a vintage collectible, subtle variations, imperfections, and signs of age contribute to its individual character and history. Please review photographs carefully for condition.

Artisan: Bertini
Motif: Heraldic Lion
Dimensions: Approximately 8" H x 5" W
Details: Vintage Italian ceramic canister · Fitted lid with cobalt finial · Golden lion motif · Cobalt blue, ochre, ivory and green palette · Ornamental painted borders · Vintage & collectible Italian ceramic

Hand-painted in Italy by Bertini a leading ceramist, no longer painting. 

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.