VINTAGE & COLLECTIBLE CERAMICS Leona Hand-painted Tuscan Wall Plate

Curated vintage piece
From a private Italian collection
Signed original, mid-20th century

This striking hand-painted Tuscan wall plate is a celebration of Italy’s vineyard culture and centuries-old ceramic artistry. Painted by Leona in Tuscany, the plate features cascading clusters of grapes framed by richly detailed vine leaves—timeless symbols of abundance, harvest, and the Italian art of living well.

Each element is painted entirely by hand using traditional Renaissance-inspired techniques. Mineral pigments and layered glazes create depth, movement, and luminous color, from the warm ochres and autumnal greens of the leaves to the jewel-like purples and golden highlights of the grapes. The gently scalloped rim and generous 3-inch depth give the piece a sculptural presence, making it ideal as a statement wall charger or focal art piece.

No two plates are exactly alike. Subtle variations in brushwork and glaze reveal the human hand behind the work—an unmistakable hallmark of authentic Italian craftsmanship. Carefully preserved in exceptional condition, this signed vintage ceramic reflects both artistic integrity and historical value.

Designed to be both decorative and enduring, this wall plate brings warmth, history, and Old World elegance to kitchens, wine rooms, dining spaces, and entryways.

Details

• Handmade and hand-painted in Tuscany, Italy

• Artist: Leona, Ceramiche Leona

• Signed original, mid-20th century

• Motif: Grapes and vine leaves

• Dimensions: 19" diameter × 3" depth

• One-of-a-kind artisan character

In the rolling hills of Tuscany, just outside Florence in the village of Montespertoli, the ceramics of Leona are shaped by history, patience, and an unwavering devotion to craft. Working within the historic atelier of Ceramiche Leona, Leona carries forward a centuries-old Tuscan tradition where every piece is made slowly, by hand, and with intention.

Ceramiche Leona is renowned for preserving Renaissance-era ceramic techniques—methods passed down through generations that honor both form and decoration. Within this tradition, Leona’s role is deeply rooted in painting and surface design. Each piece begins as raw clay, shaped and fired before Leona’s hand brings it to life through intricate brushwork and layered glazes.

Her painting style reflects classical Tuscan motifs: florals, scrolls, heraldic symbols, and softly balanced geometry inspired by historic Italian palazzi and countryside villas. Colors are rich yet harmonious—ochres, deep blues, forest greens, and warm terracotta tones—achieved through mineral-based pigments and time-honored glazing processes. Subtle variations in brushstroke and color density are embraced, not corrected, serving as a visible reminder that no two pieces are ever the same.

Leona continues to paint by hand, applying each decorative element freehand rather than relying on stencils or transfers. This approach ensures that every plate, vase, or serving piece carries a unique rhythm—small nuances that reveal the presence of the artist and distinguish true artisan work from factory production.

The result is ceramics meant not only to be admired, but to be lived with. These are objects designed for daily rituals—shared meals, family gatherings, and homes that value authenticity over perfection. Over time, Leona’s pieces develop character, becoming heirlooms that quietly tell the story of their origins.

In an era dominated by speed and replication, Leona’s work at Ceramiche Leona stands as a testament to the enduring value of Italian craftsmanship: handmade, hand-painted, and deeply connected to place.

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.