VINTAGE & COLLECTIBLE CERAMICS Ivory Rope-Handle Pitcher

This vintage Italian pitcher is all about shape. A tall, egg-shaped body in a soft ivory glaze rises to a high, flared spout, with a band of raised rings around the shoulder and a ringed foot at the base.

The handle is the showpiece: two strands of clay twisted like rope, cinched with a collar at the top, with each end coiled around itself several times where it meets the body — like a vine wrapped around a branch. It's a sculptural detail you rarely see on a pitcher.

The single ivory color lets the form speak, so it works in almost any room. Use it as a statement vase for branches or long-stemmed flowers, or display it on its own on a console, mantel, or open shelf. This is a one-of-a-kind vintage piece — we have only one.

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: Glazed Italian ceramic
Made in: Italy
Design: Solid ivory glaze, raised rings at shoulder and foot, twisted double-rope handle with coiled ends
Heritage: Vintage Italian ceramics
Condition: Vintage, pre-owned — see photos
Care: Hand-wash only · Not microwave/oven safe
Sold as: Individual piece
Mixes with: Ivory, white, and neutral ceramics; pairs well with colorful Deruta pieces as a calm contrast

Can I use it to serve drinks?
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 vase or display piece.

Will it hold water as a vase?
Yes, the interior is glazed. For fresh flowers, change the water often and dry the inside before storing.

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. A one-of-a-kind vintage Italian pitcher is a memorable gift that no one else will bring, and the neutral ivory suits almost any home.

Is this a good housewarming or hostess gift?
Yes. Filled with flowers or branches, it makes a striking gift that becomes a permanent piece of the 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. 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 pitcher 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.

Rope-handle design — Twisted and coiled handles are a sculptor's touch. Each strand is rolled, twisted, and wrapped by hand before firing, so no two handles are exactly alike.

Biordi Vintage & Collectible Ceramics — This pitcher is part of Biordi's Vintage & Collectible Ceramics, a curated archive of Italian ceramic art made 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 form 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.