If you to make another investment in the world of beauty and artistry, then you may want to consider buying an Italian dinnerware. Yet, even so, the artistic value must not really discourage upon the daily usage of ceramic place settings, along with serving them the accessories.
Identify Handmade Italian Dinnerware and Avoid Fake Ones
We all know that pottery is made out of three basic elements, clay, water, and fire. But, of course, this list is not really exclusive because there also needs another fundamental element and that is the talent of the maker.
When it comes to the manufacturing of a ceramic piece, it will always take time and the result of it is never granted. The kiln when it comes to the last firing is always being opened while holding the breath because a tiny crack or a bubble in the glaze will make the hours of hard work go to waste.
What makes this handmade pottery beautiful is the way it is being molded fast in the spinning wheel, including the little signs from the tongs that were used in order to keep the hands out of the glaze along with the strokes of the brushes.
Here are the steps that you can follow in order to spot fakes:
#1 Look at the bottom of the dinnerware
When checking out this Italian pottery, you can turn it upside down in order to make sure that there is an unglazed area that is visible showing the natural brownish-orange hues of the terracotta. You can sometimes see some white in the unglazed area because of the smaller pieces are often made out of grayish clay.
#2 Touch the unglazed area of the dinnerware
If you are to touch the texture of the unglazed area, it should be rough. So, if it seems that it is white and smooth then it is not an original Italian ceramic that is made with traditional materials and techniques.
It can also be possible to detect the marks of the long tons that the artisans used in glazing their pottery, it should be two tiny dots that are usually positioned near the rim of the pieces.
#3 The brush strokes must be visible in the ceramics must be visible
These Italian ceramics are always hand-painted so if you look at them really closely, then you should be able to see the single strokes that have contributed to the beauty and the artistry of the pottery.
#4 The design cannot be guaranteed as perfect
Try to think of a dinnerware set that has a nicely painted rim on each of the plates. You can see that the pattern is being repeated multiple times, but, if you are going to look at it more closely, you should be able to see the tiny differences either in the shape of a scroll, in the outline of a flower, or in the number of dots that are in a geometric design. These things are not defects but are merely on the fact that the artist is only human.
Most Popular Italian Dinnerware Patterns
The Classic Italian dinnerware patterns
When it comes to the classic Italian dinnerware designs, there are three that stood out, the Raffaellesco, Ricco Deruta and Arabesco.
All of these have originated in Deruta during the 15th and the 17th century. What makes this dinnerware sets versatile is because of the beauty that it possesses that exudes exquisite elegance and the subtle refinement that is never in a commonplace.
The Geometric Italian dinnerware patterns
These geometric dinnerware sets are powerful reminders of the Hispano-Moresque origins of the Italian pottery. These geometric dinnerware set is always going to add a touch of luxurious styles to any table, either it is modern or traditional.
The Fruit Italian dinnerware patterns
The timeless charm of these fruit Italian dinnerware comes from its homeland which is Tuscany. Regardless if this is just simply sketched or is being richly decorated, the cozy stylishness of this Italian fruit dinnerware will reconcile the classic and the modern style lovers.
There is really no standard fruit pattern that needs mentioning. But, you should know that most of these beautiful Italian fruit patters have a common denominator and that is a rich color palette along with the abundance of any type of summer fruit. It is also undeniable that flowers are now becoming part of the intertwined with the news today.
Here’s How To Preserve Your Italian Dinnerware
Tip #1: Don’t use fine Italian ceramics for cooking or re-heating.
This Italian dinnerware is not made for cooking. So it should be placed inside the oven or the microwaves or even directly on a burner. Although Italian ceramics kiln are being fired twice more than the 1,600 °F (870 °C), this means that it can really stand with high temperatures.
Tip #2: Make Sure to avoid sudden temperature changes.
These Italian ceramic places are likely to be tempered with warm tap water before you go out and serve very hot foods or liquids. This makes the importance of insofar as avoiding possible thermal shock and cracking
Tip #3: Do not use the dishwasher but stay on the safe side using a fine china cycle, low heat, and a good quality detergent.
You should really pay attention when it comes to placing the pottery into the machine, as this may damage your dinnerware.
Tip #4:To remove stains and dry food put Italian ceramic plates or serving accessories in soapy warm water and let them soak for a few minutes.
In order to manage the worst buts, it is important for you to buy and use plastic rubber and make sure that you follow the rules.
Tip #5: To remove tea stains from hand-painted ceramic cups
In order to remove the stains from hand-painted ceramic cups, then you should fill it with a solution of 2 tablespoons of chlorine bleach per quart of water, let them soak 1-2 minutes, then rinse them.
Tip #6: To remove black marks left by cutlery on Italian ceramic plates
In order to remove the black marks, you can clean them with good quality, non-abrasive metal cleaner.
