VINTAGE & COLLECTIBLE CERAMICS Franco Mari Raffaellesco Ceramic Utensil Holder

Franco Mari Vintage Centerpiece

From a private Italian collection
Curated artisan ceramic centerpiece
Handcrafted by Franco Mari, Italy

A beautiful example of traditional Italian decorative ceramics, this vintage Raffaellesco utensil holder by Franco Mari brings the color and exuberance of Renaissance-inspired artistry into the heart of the kitchen.

The substantial cylindrical vessel is richly decorated with the iconic Raffaellesco dragon, a fantastical winged creature surrounded by delicate scrolling flourishes and floral ornamentation. The design comes alive in a classic Italian palette of cobalt blue, golden yellow, forest green, warm terracotta, and ivory, with layered decorative borders framing the composition.

A bold golden-yellow rim crowns the piece, while bands of cobalt, green, ochre, and deep brown provide a handsome architectural finish. Measuring approximately 8" x 9", its generous open form makes it ideal for keeping wooden spoons, ladles, spatulas, and favorite cooking utensils beautifully organized and conveniently at hand.

Both practical and decorative, this Franco Mari piece can also be enjoyed beyond the kitchen—as a vessel for flowers, a holder for artist brushes, or simply displayed as a distinctive example of collectible Italian ceramic art.

For collectors of Franco Mari and Raffaellesco ceramics, the combination of recognizable Renaissance-inspired imagery, vibrant decoration, substantial scale, and useful form makes this an especially appealing addition to an Italian ceramic collection.

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: Franco Mari
Pattern: Raffaellesco
Dimensions: Approximately 8" x 9"
Details: Vintage Italian ceramic utensil holder · Raffaellesco dragon motif · Cylindrical open form · Cobalt blue, golden yellow, green and terracotta decoration · Decorative banded borders · Vintage & collectible Italian kitchenware

Own a piece of Deruta’s legacy—bring home a Franco Mari original today.

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.

ARTISAN STORY

Franco Mari: Master Artisan of Deruta, Italy

In the hilltop town of Deruta, Italy—the heart of Italian maiolica pottery for over 500 years—few names carry as much prestige and reverence as Franco Mari. A master artisan, painter, and designer, Franco Mari has become internationally renowned for his dedication to traditional hand-painted Deruta ceramics, his exceptional attention to detail, and his unique artistic vision that honors the past while inspiring collectors around the world.

With a deep respect for Renaissance-era motifs and classic Italian forms, Franco Mari is best known for his work with the iconic Ricco Deruta pattern—a design celebrated for its bold cobalt blues, golden scrolls, and rich greens. Under his brush, this centuries-old motif is revived with remarkable precision, depth, and emotion, making each piece a true work of art. Mari’s studio has become a destination for ceramic connoisseurs and collectors seeking authentic Deruta pottery of the highest quality.

What sets Franco Mari apart is not just his technical mastery, but his commitment to traditional maiolica techniques—from throwing clay on the wheel to hand-painting with mineral-based glazes, then firing in small batches to preserve quality. Every ceramic plate, coffee pot, vase, and charger that emerges from his workshop is a one-of-a-kind piece, bearing his signature and the unmistakable beauty of Italian heritage.

Franco Mari’s creations are highly sought-after for their heirloom quality, and vintage pieces in pristine condition are considered rare treasures in the world of collectible Italian ceramics. His work represents not only the soul of Deruta but also the enduring artistry of Italy itself.

At Biordi Art Imports, we are honored to offer a curated selection of authentic Franco Mari ceramics, each one a testament to craftsmanship, culture, and timeless Italian beauty.

Experience the art of Deruta through the hands of a true maestro—Franco Mari.

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.