VINTAGE & COLLECTIBLE CERAMICS Tuscan Fruit on the Vines Wall Plate

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

This exceptional hand-painted Italian wall plate by Leona is a richly detailed celebration of Italy’s agrarian heritage and master ceramic tradition. Created in Tuscany, the composition features abundant fruits on the vines rendered against a dramatic dark ground—an iconic motif symbolizing harvest, prosperity, and the Italian art of convivial living.

Each element is painted entirely by hand using time-honored, Renaissance-inspired techniques. Layered mineral pigments and luminous glazes bring depth and movement to the composition, from the warm ochres and burnished reds of the leaves to the jewel-like yellows and ruby tones of the fruit. The softly rounded oval form and generous proportions give the plate a sculptural presence, making it an ideal statement piece for wall display.

Signed by the artist, this mid-20th-century ceramic reflects the individuality of true artisan craftsmanship. Subtle variations in brushwork and glaze testify to the human hand behind the work—no two pieces are ever identical. Carefully preserved in excellent vintage condition, this plate stands as both a decorative object and a collectible work of Italian ceramic art.

Perfect for kitchens, wine rooms, dining spaces, or curated gallery walls, this piece brings warmth, history, and timeless Italian elegance into the home.

Details

• Handmade and hand-painted in Tuscany, Italy

• Artist: Leona

• Signed original, mid-20th century

• Motif: Grapes, vine leaves, and fruit

• Dimensions: 15" x 15"

• 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.