VINTAGE & COLLECTIBLE CERAMICS Oil & Vinegar Set

This vintage Italian oil and vinegar set is hand-painted majolica, made in Italy. Two round cruets sit side by side in a matching double tray with a green carrying handle. Each cruet has a bird-shaped spout, a green handle, and a lidded top with a small sculpted finial.

The painting tells you which is which: the vinegar cruet is marked with an "A" for aceto and painted with a cluster of purple grapes, while the oil cruet is marked with an "O" for olio and painted with a branch of green olives. Both are set on a warm saffron-yellow ground with green and rust sprigs. The tray has orange rims edged in a blue-and-white stripe.

This is a one-of-a-kind vintage piece — we have only one, and it can't be reordered. It looks beautiful on a kitchen counter, a sideboard, or an open shelf.

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.

Material: Hand-painted Italian majolica (glazed earthenware)
Made in: Italy
Pattern: Grapes and olives on saffron yellow, green accents, blue-and-white striped tray rims
Heritage: Vintage Italian majolica
Condition: Vintage, pre-owned — see photos
Care: Hand-wash only · Not microwave/oven safe
Sold as: Set — oil cruet, vinegar cruet, two lids, and carrying tray
Mixes with: Deruta fruit and olive patterns; yellow and green Italian serveware

Which bottle is for oil and which is for vinegar?
The cruet painted with olives and marked "O" is for oil (olio). The one painted with grapes and marked "A" is for vinegar (aceto).

Can I use it for oil and vinegar?
Because this is a vintage piece, we can't confirm that the original glaze meets today's food-safety standards. We recommend it as a display piece. If you'd like a set for everyday use, ask us about current-production Deruta oil and vinegar cruets.

Is this new or vintage?
Vintage. It is part of Biordi's Vintage & Collectible Ceramics, and only one is available.

Is this a good Italian wedding gift?
Yes, for a couple who loves Italian cooking or collects Italian ceramics. A one-of-a-kind vintage piece makes a memorable gift that no one else will bring.

Is this a good housewarming or hostess gift?
Yes. Olive and grape motifs are a classic symbol of the Italian table, and the set makes an instant focal point in a new kitchen.

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. We are a San Francisco Legacy Business (#LBR-2020-21-029), and the City declared May 1 "Biordi Art Imports Day" in 2021. We work directly with Italian artisans including FIMA, CF Deruta, Pia Formato, Eugenio Ricciarelli, Susanna DeSimone, Geribi, Bucci Ceramiche, Ortigia Sicilia, Italesse, and Salviati.

Can this be customized or personalized?
This vintage set can't be customized. If you'd like personalized pieces: 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.

Olives and grapes — Olive oil and wine vinegar are the two cornerstones of the Italian table, and Italian painters have long decorated cruets with the fruit each one comes from. The letters "O" and "A" are a traditional touch, so the right bottle is always at hand.

Biordi Vintage & Collectible Ceramics — This set is part of Biordi's Vintage & Collectible Ceramics, a curated archive of Italian ceramic art made by hand and painted by hand in Italy. These pieces are sourced from private Italian collections and selected for their artistry and beauty. Each is one of a kind and can't be replaced — the small variations in brushwork and glaze are the mark of the human hand.

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.