The Finest Italian: Art, Paintings, Jewelery, Decor, and Crafts

Ceramics and the Italian Constitution

As we all know, the year 2011 was the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy and of its emergence as a modern national state. For this occasion a series of 12 ceramic plates were realized by ceramist Andrea Branciforti. On each plate is painted one of the first 12 fundamental articles of the Italian Constitution.

These iconic plates have been exhibited at Faenza, Ravenna, and other Italian cities, along with other historic artifacts gathered from various Museums dedicated to the Italian period of the Risorgimento and from participating Italian libraries. These shows have been dedicated to the quest of all peoples, across the vast sweep of human history, for constitutional freedoms. Such constitutionally guaranteed freedoms are at the base of the civilization and the democracy of a country; they first found expression in the Magna Charta Libertatum and then, in the case of Italy, in the Albertine Statute and finally in today’s Constitution.

In this context it is appropriate to remember, in free translation, the words of Pietro Calamandrei to the young people present in the Hall of the Humanitarian Society of Milano on January 25, 1955: “If you need to ask yourselves where our Constitution was born go to the mountains where the partisans fell, to the jails in which they were imprisoned, to the fields where they where hanged. Wherever an Italian has died fighting for dignity and freedom, go there, for in those places our Constitution was born”

Large Square Italian Platter

Decked in shades of green and a vibrant orange, this plate can be hung on a wall (there is a metal loop in the back), or it can be used to serve your favorite food. Although I hand throw most of my pieces, for this particular piece I used a square mold. The theme was inspired from some old art deco pieces my grandmother used to keep on her fireplace mantel

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Italian Soup Tureen "Poppies" by Firenze

This is an absolutely gorgeous work of art, featuring bright reds and blues and soft, caressing browns. It is a pleasure to behold, a worthy addition to the most elegant home. By Firenze, 11″ tall, 12″ at its widest.

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As a soup tureen, this item would undoubtedly be the queen at any table. And when not in use you will want to exhibit it prominently as a work of art. A wonderfully sophisticated gift in the best Italian tradition.

Italian Gallo Round Platter by Tadinate

Another Tadinate piece from Umbria at a bargain price. This platter is 15″ in diameter, and will impress far beyond its modest price. A rare opportunity to own a true Italian ceramic import at a reasonable cost.

Italian Gallo Oval Platter by Tadinate

Your chance to make a presentation splash at a reasonable cost. Tadinate makes ceramics products in Gualdo Tadino, near Perugia, in the region of Umbria, the “green heart of Italy”. This oval platter is 16.5″ by 12.5″, obtained by finestItalian as a special purchase.

Limoni Italian Round Platter by Firenze

This platter features an abundance of lemons and the traditional brilliant colors of Italian majolica. It is 16″ in diameter, a bright and tasteful addition to your kitchen or dining table.

Firenze "Limoni" Italian Biscottiera in Majolica

Keep your biscotti fresh in this lovely biscottiera by Firenze. And yes, you may also put American cookies in it and fare una bella figura. 10″ tall.

Deruta Italian Hand-painted Oval Platter

This beautiful platter is 16″x13″ and is a fitting companion to the Round Platter. It is signed by Deruta. Only one available from finestItalian.

Deruta Italian Hand-painted Round Platter

An elegant addition to every table, this platter is 14.5″ in diameter and carries the Deruta signature. Imported from Italy.

Set of two Italian Canisters - Blue/Yellow

These canisters are a modern adaptation of the old Albarello medicinal jars, which were designed to hold apothecaries’ ointments and herbs. Medicinal jars have their roots in the Middle East and were brought to Italy by Hispano-Moresque traders.

The earliest Italian examples were produced in Florence in the 15th century. This set of jars are hand thrown. The shape of the jar emulates bamboo, which was the traditional manufacturing material. For the painted design I chose a bright yellow and a soft blue. These jars are ideal for storing your favorite pasta, rice and cookies. They are also a beautiful counter decor.

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The dimensions are 14.5"H x 6"W and 11"H x 7"W.

Tall Italian Majolica Vase

For this particular vase I got the inspiration from a drawing of an elephant foot, that I saw in a museum in Italy. I start by hand throwing a tall cylinder with a wide stable base. I wanted to add a texture element to this piece, which would complement the otherwise glossy surface, for which purpose I excised a ring-shaped recess on the outside of the piece. I chose a natural fiber, simple yute rope, to wrap the recess. For the painted decor I chose my favorite spring flowers, Calla Lilies.

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The dimensions of the vase are 14.5"H x 4.5"W.

Beautiful Large Italian Wall Plate

The calm and tranquil palate of blue colors of the Mediterranean Sea was the inspiration for this large wall plate. The piece is decorated with a series of geometrical rings. On the back of this plate there is a metal loop for hanging.

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The diameter of the plate is 21".

Salsa Italiana - Chips and dip Bowl

This bowl has an innovative sculpted design. I wanted to create a piece that was fun and functional at the same time. I first hand threw 2 bowls on the wheel, one small bowl for the salsa and one large bowl large enough to hold a bag of chips. Then I manipulated the shapes and joined them to create a single piece. For the painted design I chose a vibrant green and yellow. With this creation you can serve your favorite chips and dip the Italian way!

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The dimensions of this piece are 7.4"H x 13.5"W x 4"D.

Italian Serving Bowl With Lipped Rim

I designed this bowl to combine practicality and beauty. I started by hand throwing a large shallow with an unusually wide lipped rim, which also serves as a handle. As for the painted design, I chose a geometrical pattern, using different shades of green. The lacy design on the rim beautifully complements salads and pasta dishes.

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The dimensions of this bowl are 4" H x 15"W x 3.5"D.

Clock, Blue and Yellow Italian Design

This clock it is entirely hand made. It is hand thrown on the pottery wheel, bisque fired, glazed, painted and then fired a second time. I decorated this piece with a geometrical design composed from hues of sunflower yellow and deep blue, which are my favorite colors. This clock will be a great addition to a kitchen or a living room area. On the back of the clock there is a metal loop, so that it can be hung on the wall.

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Battery operated (battery included). The diameter is 13.5".

Posted in 2.) Italian Ceramics | Tagged ceramics, constitution, italian art, italian bowl, italian plate, majolica | Leave a response

Plates and Chopping Boards | By: Valentina Cirasola | Interior Designer

When we sit at the dining table, we hardly waste much time thinking of how tableware originated and evolved in time. We might briefly admire the beauty of a plate or a particular decoration perhaps just as ice breaker and small conversation. We might treat ourselves with the elegant newest collection of dishware made by Alessi called “Dressed”, or some hand painted ceramic plates, or we might end up eating in any casual dinnerware with nonchalance. The important thing is to have food into a washable or throw away vessel and assign a plate to each person sitting at a dining table. But it was not always this way a few centuries ago.

Think about how it was in the Middle Age when diners in noble courts and taverns alike shared bowls, glasses, chopping blocks and tin plates. This meant that diners sharing tableware had to pay attention to each other and respect table ethics because they were facing each other while eating from the same plate.

Each person had a spoon to dip in a common soup bowl and in a common sauce bowl. Meat and solid food were cut in a serving dish placed in the center table from which each person took a piece and place it on the chopping block shared with another person. If the other person was a woman and supposedly not a master in the art of cutting, the man sharing the chopping block with her would cut a pieces and offer it to the woman.

Forks did not exist yet, they arrived on the Italian Florentine tables around the 1300. Women held each piece of solid food between two fingers and brought it to the mouth gently. Men stabbed solid food or meat with a knife and ate directly from the blade.

Napkins did not exist yet either. It was an accepted custom to clean oily hands on the tablecloth, but it was not acceptable to lick the fingers clean with the mouth. To avoid offending table decency, a piece of food which had been in the mouth first, could not be put on the shared chopping board, or shared thin plate, that was not acceptable.

Why I am talking about table customs in the Middle Age and what does it have to do with the way we eat today? It seems that every thing old at some point become new again. I was really surprised to see that some restaurants in Italy have taken this historical table custom and twisted to today’s novelty.

In a restaurant on the Amalfi cost in Italy, I observed some appetizers being served on a cold stone and some others on a pre-heated stones depending on the type of food. Some restaurants serve also the main entrée on hot stones and it becomes really spectacular. Food arrives at the table seared halfway, the rest of the cooking is completed at the table by the customers, the way they like it.

This trend is spreading throughout the U.S. too. I have eaten at upscale restaurants in California where one time I enjoyed appetizers on a Himalayan salt plate, the next time I delighted myself with an Argentinean Seared Flank Stake on hot slate with chimichuri sauce and the next time again I tried a fried kale with parmesan churros. All three times it was an enjoyable experience in that cooking at the table with friends evolves in a pleasant conversation.

Just like in the Middle Age, in trendy restaurants of today, food is brought to the table on a hot stone with another plate to eat off of it, but today there is an array of flatware, glassware and tablecloths to help us being more comfortable or civilized at the dining table.

These stones are available at gourmet shops and they are affordable.

I shall be here to answer any question you might have on the “mise en place”, staging a table, or staging a dinner party. Ciao,
Valentina
www.Valentinadesigns.com

Valentina Cirasola is an Italian Interior Designer with a passion for kitchens and cooking. She operates in the USA and Europe. She loves to remodel homes and loves to turn ugly spaces into castles, but especially loves to design kitchens and wine grottos, outdoor kitchens and outdoor rooms, great rooms and entertainment rooms. Robert Taitano, a friend and business associate says:
“Valentina – an International Professional Interior Designer is now giving you an opportunity to redesign your palate”.

She is the author of two Italian regional cuisine books available on this site in the Books section, on Amazon and through the publisher:
http://outskirtspress.com/ComeMiaNonna
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnq8baaAq0M

http://outskirtspress.com/SinsOfAQueen

Posted in Interior Design Services, Italian Books | Tagged Italian design, Italian food, Italian Table Customs | Leave a response

Italy In Small Bites | By: Valentina Cirasola | Interior Designer

This year is the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy as a Republic, such a small country, such a concentrate of art and history, a country where even a shoe shine is an artist in his own way.
Today, April 25 Italy celebrates its liberation from the Nazi’s occupation. I am in Torino and for the first time in my life I am witnessing a touching spectacle of so many Italian flags flying over every balcony in downtown area, a sign of a renewed love for our nation.
Italian emigrants and their strong patriotism have brought many Italian products around the world, shown them, talked about and place them on the market. They have turned the “made in Italy” a trade mark to be proud of, a symbol of sophistication, elegance, purity and simple classicism.
Italian style of this century is very modern, very colorful and linear while Italians still enjoy walking around and breathing antiquity. The streets of Italy are very historical, but fashion, interiors and cars are not.

The architectural style of Tuscan farmhouses have been copied in California by the boat load and turned into a mansions style, but the bucolic Tuscan scenes cannot be reproduced. Tuscan style is not about a large home empty of emotions and atmospheres, but it comprises a whole life style, it means going to market everyday, cook fresh food, neighbors popping by for coffee unannounced, evening dinner with family and friends, taking afternoon naps, cultivate the land and most importantly being surrounded by the warmth of the people occupying the house.

Italians put a lot of passion when it comes to design eating vessels, an old custom that goes back to the Roman Empire. Pleasing the eyes before the palate and pleasing the palate with fresh, uncomplicated, nor manipulated food. It’s like a game of pleasures, one following the other as close as possible.

What to say about the decorative art of tile making for flooring, kitchen backsplash, bathrooms, or entryways? Italians have an incredible ability to create stunning combinations of material old and new that no one else can do, or combinations of colors and patterns within the material no one else can even think about. Ideas don’t just come because Italians are clever, their ideas are embedded in their blood through years of tradition and history. In my design projects I can sleep soundly when I employ Italian tile setters and stone fabricators, I know that even if I don’t observe their work, it will be done to perfection. Their clinical eye is a safe heaven.

Fashion is a strong weapons for Italians. We dress very fashionable every day even to go to the market. We feel an immense pleasure and satisfaction to be admired by others, it highly gratifies our self-esteem and with that comes the elegant, flirtatious behavior in both men and women. Fashion is used in office and home décor, but in these areas our fashion is classic, classic contemporary, classic modern, classic eclectic, that type of classic that will not go out of vogue in a couple of years, just to be clear.

The thrill of driving an Italian sport car, or simply seeing one roaring by at the speed of light is revitalizing. I hope Italy continues to make them, even if it is only for the pleasure of few lucky ones.

Food is no exception to the country’s beauty. Anywhere in Italy food is excellent, even in a “hole in the wall”. Eat Italian food to stay fit and young. In foreign countries Italian restaurants are considered the best. Olive oil, prosciutto, Parmigiano cheese, pasta, cheeses and wines are the most exported food out of Italy.

All of us expatriates, laborious, hard workers Italian people, entrepreneurial at heart have contributed to the good reputation of our high quality products, but not much has ever been said about the Italian emigrants, we are kept in the back of the scene.

This 150th birthday of Italy unification as a Republic comes at a time of world turmoil, shifting of economic power and natural disasters, but Italy is also fighting its own battle with its own government, high unemployment, poor immigrants from every where in the world arriving on the coasts of Italy by the thousand a day, causing an economic stress the country cannot support. The most dangerous battle facing Italy is the counterfeit of its original products which are being sold all over the world in the name of saving the cent. This is undermining our Italian economy.

Italy is a vibrant country, all this concentrate of beauty might be a hand full for some tourist. Just take it in small doses, you will love to learn even the noise in the streets and the fatalism of its people. It is still the most charming country to visit and to return to.

If you like Italian style home and décor, I am here, look no further. As the professional who is always ready, I shall be prompt and ready to help you with any of your needs, whether it will decorating, designing, or remodeling. Leave your name in the box below, I shall answer you in 24 hours time. Ciao,
Valentina
www.Valentinadesigns.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/affluentliving#p/u/2/eC2LVXANG5U

http://www.youtube.com/user/affluentliving#p/u/0/kWuB7I8uJjg

Valentina Cirasola is a trained Italian Interior Designer in business since 1990. Being Italian born and raised, Valentina’s design work has been influenced by Classicism and stylish, timeless designs. She is a designer well-known to bring originality to people’s homes. As an Italian designer and true to her origins, she provides only the best workmanship and design solutions. Author of two Italian regional cuisine books:
http://outskirtspress.com/ComeMiaNonna
http://outskirtspress.com/SinsOfAQueen

Posted in 6.) Miscellaneous | Leave a response

Brewing In Architecture | By: Valentina Cirasola | Interior Designer

Getting up in the morning with that roaring sound of my Italian professional espresso maker really gets my blood going. Aside from the sound of birds chirping outside my bedroom window there is no better sound I like to hear in the morning.
Espresso, my lifetime lover I can’t do without it. My coffee has always been the same type for years, a blend of Brazilian green coffee beans that I toast myself to my liking. Espresso requires special Italian machines to make it frothy, thick and short.

One type of very common machine for family consumption is made for a stove top and produces one cup (small machine) up to twenty-four cups (very tall). The other kind is the café type with a few levels, one for each cup, a selection to make one or many cups at once, the cappuccino and steam feature, temperature/pressure gauge and more buttons that you know what to do. You get the picture, it is a professional machine, which performs for high traffic cafés.

A coffee maker in Italy like everything in my country must have style, we just don’t settle for functionality, we want beauty in the kitchen too.

Italian architect Aldo Rossi (1931-1997) using architectural features of Italy designed many attractive famous espresso makers all produced by Alessi. He is considered to be the greatest Italian architect of the second half of the 20th century. It has been said: “Aldo Rossi is an author of abstraction, geometrical patterns and silent evocation created some of the most intensely poetic works of architecture and design in his age”.

In his products he utilizes geometrical shapes to make profound design statements. Aldo Rossi designed the Pens espresso makers, La Cupola espresso maker in 1984, la Conica espresso maker in 1988. All these designs reflect the harmony and the beauty of the classic architecture of Italy. Aldo Rossi has been called ‘a poet who happens to be an architect’. His theory on the nature of design is about offering an alternative to the technological and functional emphasis of modernism. Italians love to roll around in antiquity even when making coffee. Our eyes rejoice in the presence of a Brunelleschi’s cupola, Medieval Towers or Palladian’s architectural details. Now transfer all that beauty into food and gadgets to serve those food and you have pure pleasure. Espresso for Italians has the same importance as tea for British. It is one of the many pleasures of the day in the Italian life and it is good for you.

I read a very encouraging article on the New York Times about coffee health. In some researches has been found that caffeine might prove to be a way to stimulate hair growth in men going bald.
Coffee could protect people against multiple sclerosis. Habitual coffee consumption is associated with a substantially lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

Higher coffee and caffeine intake is associated with a significantly lower incidence of Parkinson’s disease. Harvard Medical Study says coffee drinking may help against heart disease.
Women who drink coffee are (much) less likely to commit suicide. Abstinence from Coffee drinking leads to early death.
Who would have ever thought of all these benefits!

With this in mind, let us keep the habit of making coffee, but let us brew it in the classicism of Italian architecture where romance is written on buildings the world admires.

I am here ready to help you with the selection of special objects, gadgets and kitchen wear and to design that special Italian kitchen for you. Leave your name in the box below, I shall answer you in 25 hours time. Ciao,
Valentina
www.valentinadesigns.com

Valentina Cirasola is an Italian Interior Designer with a passion for kitchens and cooking. She loves to remodel homes and loves to turn ugly spaces into castles, but especially loves to design kitchens and wine grottos.

She is the author of two regional Italian cookbooks available in this site and in her books site:
http://valentinaexpressions.com/

Come Mia Nonna – A Return To Simplicity
Sins Of A Queen – Italian Appetizers and Desserts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnq8baaAq0M

Posted in Interior Design Services | Tagged italian culture, Italian design | Leave a response

Sawdust Or Stardust | By: Valentina Cirasola | Interior Designer

Spring is almost at our door, it is time to refresh the look of interior spaces and to buy furniture. Those of you who have just finished a home remodeling, after such a big sacrifice and hardship, now is the moment to make the new areas shine, sit back, relax and enjoy the new spaces with comfortable furniture.
Before rushing to furniture stores with a renewed excitement (remember when was last time you bought furniture?) is important to know the shifts that have occurred in the market with supply and demand, the shift in consumer thinking or choices and to know about about imported or locally produced furniture.

The annual world market furniture show at High Point in North Carolina will happen April 2-7, 2011. It is the world runway for home fashions and it happens one month after the New York’s Fashion Week. There you will find an enormous selection of furniture and accessories of all styles and historic periods. The show is overwhelming and super stuffed with beautiful furniture, but all of that will reach local stores at some point during the year, so we can all enjoy and finally make a purchase.

This is basically what you need to keep in mind. Decide how much you want to spend and the quality you want in your home, then look at the product you are buying.

The most common furniture are made of melamine material, veneer, laminate, solid wood and a lot more. I will just talk about a few.

The majority of furniture are made of sawdust pushed together with various resins with the exterior surface made of plastic derivates printed and colored as wood. When the resins are not treated at a high temperature (this is an information never disclosed to consumers) they emanate a formaldehyde gas which is carcinogenic and irritating for the lungs. The odor is not pleasant and emission can last many years. To reduce the emission, these kind of furniture are covered with the an exterior layer of melamine.

Furniture with veneer and honeycomb: the exterior face has a layer of about one millimeter thick of real wood, the interior is made with a honeycomb structure which doesn’t allow doors and drawers to bow with time. Furniture with veneer exterior are good lasting furniture, priced affordably.

Real wood furniture are the stars of any interiors, they have all the characteristics of elegance, beauty, style, durability and they are pricey. Real wood furniture fall in the category of luxury, but knowing the right ebonist (artistic furniture maker) real wood furniture can be produced locally at a better price than the market offers.

Let me be your chosen designer who can put star…dust in your décor. I can help you with any style. Put your name in the box, leave a comment and I will answer you within 24 hours. Ciao,
Valentina
www.valentinadesigns.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/affluentliving#p/u/2/eC2LVXANG5U
http://www.youtube.com/user/affluentliving#p/u/0/kWuB7I8uJjg

Valentina Cirasola has been in business as a designer since 1990. She has helped a variegated group of fun people realizing their dreams with homes, offices, interiors and exteriors.
She is a designer well known to bring originality to people’s homes. She also designes furniture and has been successful in producing them locally with local artists craftsmen.

Posted in Interior Design Services | Tagged Italian design, Italian furniture, Vivere Italiano | Leave a response

Italy’s Iron Crown

Italy's Iron Crown

The tradition of Italian jewelry-making and of silver- and gold-smithing goes back centuries. But most objects of silver and gold, whether made for aesthetic or utilitarian purposes, belonged to wealthy individuals, and their historical vicissitudes were not necessarily recorded for posterity. Some institutional collections, however, such as royal treasures, have recorded histories that offer fascinating details on the historical fate of the jewels of which they were comprised.

Italy, as is well-known, was a kingdom until the end of the second World War, when the people opted, by plebiscite, for a republican form of government. The House of Savoy was one of the oldest aristocratic houses in Europe, having ruled over shifting boundaries since the tenth century. And of course there were the jewels of the Crown, which eventually became the official jewels of the Kingdom of Italy, to be used only on solemn state occasions.

The chief piece of the collection is undoubtedly the Iron Crown, which, for centuries, has been kept in the Duomo di Monza. This crown is of 8th century Longobard manufacture, and, according to tradition, it incorporates a circular insert made of metal from one of the nails from Christ’s cross. The Iron Crown thus antedates the Savoy dynasty, and it is a symbol of the Kingdom of Italy quite apart from the historical vicissitudes of which dynasty happened to rule the country. It was used, in fact, to crown the German kings of Italy in the Middle Ages, the kings of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy, and the kings of the Lombardo-Veneto kingdom, but never a Savoy king.

The crown, despite its name, is made of a silver-gold alloy. It is constructed in six segments joined vertically to each other. Since the crown, in its present state, is too small to fit the head of a grown man, it is hypothesized that it was originally composed of EIGHT segments, two of which have somehow been lost. The crown is adorned with 26 embossed golden roses, 22 precious stones of various colors, and 24 cloisonne’ plaques.

The historical value of the Iron Crown is inestimable. The legend of the nail from the True Cross goes back to Empress Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine. The crown itself was commissioned by Teodolinda, Queen of the Longobards, and it was used thereafter to crown the Kings of Italy, amongst which Theodoric, Charles the Great, and Frederick Barbarossa.