The bummulo or bummolo is a traditional Sicilian ceramic water flask, deeply rooted in the island’s artisanal culture. Originally designed to keep water naturally cool during Sicily’s hot summers, it is now valued both as a collectible item and as a striking decorative piece.

The bummolo “malandrino” is a special type of Sicilian ceramic water jug known for its playful and “tricky” way of functioning. Recognizable by its rounded body and narrow neck, it was originally designed to ensure that water remained cool for long periods, thanks to the porous terracotta and its clever shape.

The word malandrino in Italian can mean “rascal” or “mischievous,” which reflects the vessel’s unusual hidden opening system. To use it properly, one must know how to fill it!

Historically, farmers and travelers carried the bummolo while working in the fields under the blazing Sicilian sun. Over time, it evolved from a practical household object into a decorative symbol of Sicilian craftsmanship. Today, artisans create bummoli in hand-painted majolica with vibrant colors and intricate motifs inspired by nature, Sicilian Baroque motifs, and contemporary patterns.

Beyond its practical use, a Sicilian bummolo is now appreciated both as a collectible ceramic piece and as a striking decorative accent that reflects the history, artistry, and traditions of Sicily.

Discover our hand-picked selection of bummuli from Caltagirone. Each piece is handmade and hand-painted by Sofia, a family-run Sicilian pottery studio. Its founders belong to a new generation of local artisans who have rapidly become a household name thanks to their strong skills, knowledge, and passion for their craft.

How to use the Bummulo

To use the Bummolo, fill it from the bottom and then turn it upright. You’ll notice there is no lid; its clever design prevents any liquid from spilling. Not a single drop will escape from the jug!
Thanks to the absence of a top opening and the porous clay material, the contents will stay cool for extended periods. Simply serve your drinks from the top spout.

L'articolo Bummulo Malandrino Jugs from Sicily proviene da thatsArte.com.

Our client was an enthusiastic admirer of Eugenio Ricciarelli’s work and was considering commissioning the artist to create a 47” x 47” ceramic tabletop to be inlaid in a wooden table. He had his heart set on a pattern from Eugenio’s 7.9-inch tile collection.

We presented the client with two design options. Option A involved resizing the pattern to fit on 11.8” tiles, which is the largest size available for handmade tiles. Option B consisted of painting the pattern across 16 large tiles.

The client favored option B—the tile panel. Eugenio requested the freedom to incorporate additional motifs into the original tile design to preserve the richness of the composition, a hallmark of his work. The client enthusiastically agreed, and production began.

You might wonder why the colors differ from the finished ceramics. This is because traditional Italian ceramic glazes are mineral-based, and most minerals change color during firing. The most notable change is that the pink background glaze turns blue after firing. Although the picture may be out of focus, it conveys the idea!

After firing, each tile was numbered and securely packed, and the tabletop was shipped to its destination along with simple installation instructions.

The client was overjoyed upon seeing Eugenio’s finished tabletop and went on to commission a beautiful table to showcase it at its best.

“Please thank Eugenio once again for his splendid artistic talents. We look forward to many happy days on our patio.”

We want to express our gratitude to our amazing clients for their trust and kindness. We are proud to have contributed to this wonderful project.

Here’s to another happy client!

L'articolo A Vibrant Custom-Made Italian Ceramic Tabletop proviene da thatsArte.com.

The new Toscana Blu dinnerware collection features an elegant design inspired by traditional Italian majolica.

Set against a luminous white background, the design unfolds with graceful cobalt-blue scrolls, delicate flourishes, and geometric lattice motifs, creating a harmonious sense of movement and balance.

Interspersed within the blue scrolls are small, vibrant clusters of hand-painted fruit—rich red cherries, golden apricots, and deep blue plums—accented by soft green leaves.

Fine brushstrokes and subtle variations in tone highlight the artisanal quality of each piece.

Entirely hand-painted in Deruta, a historic town in Italy famous for its ceramics, this dinnerware reflects centuries of craftsmanship and artistic tradition.

L'articolo New! Toscana Blu Italian Dinnerware proviene da thatsArte.com.

The client envisioned transforming this picturesque scene into a mural for her large stovetop, aiming for a distinct vintage vibe with colors that would coordinate with her cabinets, countertop and floors.

The project involved creating a ceramic frame for the mural and matching tiles for the rest of the backsplash.

To bring this vision to life, we collaborated with Ghenos, an artist with deep Sicilian roots, making him uniquely qualified to capture the atmosphere of the Southern Italian coast. The client was thrilled with his preliminary sketch.

To achieve a vintage effect, we presented the client with a selection of tiles, including mattonacci, and mattoni lavici, each having a unique appearance and texture.
In the end, the client chose the mattone lavico, a handmade tile crafted from clay and volcanic dust. Its uneven surface and natural imperfections lend it a distinctive character, which is highlighted by the artist’s signature craquelé glazes.
The next step involved sampling glazes to match the kitchen’s color scheme. The final choice was a white mixed with a subtle gray.

With all materials and colors approved, the artist set to work, and here is the outcome!

“ … it’s absolutely beautiful and we are very happy with it. It has made such a huge difference in the kitchen. It’s one of the first things people comment on when they come in. We loved it so much, we hired someone to come in and paint her ceiling to go along with the theme.”

We want to express our gratitude to our amazing clients for their trust and kindness. We are proud to have contributed to this wonderful project.

Here’s to another happy client!

L'articolo Custom-Made Italian Panel with a Heavenly Coastal Landscape proviene da thatsArte.com.

A good knife, precision and technique are the foundation of elegant carving. 

Our carving knives and forks are handcrafted in Scarperia, a village in Tuscany that has been the heart of the Italian knife-making industry for over 600 years.

Each piece is expertly designed to cut and serve perfect slices of meat, ensuring that both flavor and appearance are preserved.

Tips for the perfect carving

Rest the meat for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the roast, to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist.

Use a high-quality, sharp and well-balanced carving knife (at least 8 inches long), a sturdy carving fork, and a large cutting board with a moat to catch juices. A sharp knife makes cleaner cuts with less tearing, preserving the flavor, texture and appearance of your roast.

Create clean portions. For a turkey or large roast, carve sections like legs, wings, and breast meat off the bone first. Then, slice those sections uniformly against the grain for a more tender bite. 

L'articolo Holiday Carving as an Art Form proviene da thatsArte.com.

The setting for the pool fountain is the spacious garden of an 1859 mansion in the historic Garden District of New Orleans. The commissioner, a preservationist, purchased this gorgeous Henry Howard property with the intention of restoring it to its former glory and turning it into her family home. She had a deep passion for Italian ceramics and was seeking custom, hand-painted tiles for her pool fountain wall.

“As to the pool fountain wall, I want to make sure that the tile design can be enjoyed from a distance of up to 20 feet, meaning the design scale should be large enough to be appreciated from a longer distance, as well as close distance”.

This is the spectacular pool fountain we created:

We collaborated with Ghenos, a most talented Sicilian artist, and recommended a pattern of tritons and shells. Triton, a god of the sea, is a feature of some of the most beautiful Italian fountains, often portrayed with a conch shell, which he blew like a trumpet to calm or raise the waves.

Following the enthusiastic approval of the preliminary sketches, the design was fine-tuned to account for the water spouts and the curves in the wall, and was painstakingly hand-painted.

… ecco fatto. The pool is ready for a swim!

“It’s spectacular. The goblets and tritons are fit for the Gods!
I love everything. I am very, very proud of your artwork and will find pleasure in viewing them every day of my life”.

Here’s to another happy client!

L'articolo Custom-Made Italian Tiles for a Pool Fountain proviene da thatsArte.com.

Giulia Rampini is a young Italian ceramic artist, whose work is a unique blend of Gubbio’s tradition and modernity, reflecting her personal style. Her vibrant talent has already captivated the attention of ceramic enthusiasts in Italy.

Giulia’s roots in the world of ceramics run deep. She comes from a family of renowned artisans, with her grandfather founding the Rampini ceramic studio in 1954, and her parents continuing that legacy.

Growing up surrounded by clay and brushes, she was determined not to follow her family’s business and instead carve her own path.
While studying art at the University of Perugia, however, she realized how important her native city’s traditions and her family’s legacy were to her. She understood that she could create something new, different, and relevant without starting from scratch. Instead, she could build on the solid foundations of the past, allowing her art to reach new heights.

After her graduation, Giulia joined the Rampini ceramic studio, which she now runs. She works at the same large table where generations of Rampinis have created their ceramics, sitting in the spot where her father used to sit, opposite her mother, Rossana.

Unlike many artists who shy away from functional ceramics such as dinnerware, Giulia enjoys creating pieces that can be used in everyday life. Her pieces, while serving a practical purpose, are also works of art.
Sensitive to the movement against “fast fashion,” she champions heirloom ceramics. While they may not be inexpensive, these durable pieces last forever, passing down from one generation to the next and bringing beauty to family celebrations and everyday moments of joy.

For nearly two decades, we have had the pleasure of working alongside the Rampini family. It has been a joy to witness Giulia grow into a remarkable young woman and a talented artist. We are very proud to celebrate her incredible talent and welcome her to thatsArte.com!

L'articolo Giulia Rampini, Ceramic Artist in Gubbio proviene da thatsArte.com.

Hand-painted in Gubbio, the Lustre Christmas ornaments are a masterpiece of craftsmanship, bringing together the charm of traditional artistry with the magic of the season.

They are handcrafted by Rampini, artisans based in Gubbio. Founded by Pietro Rampini in 1954, this family-run studio is well-known for the sophisticated, elegant quality of its ceramics.

The Lustre Christmas Collection includes five breathtaking patterns, each capturing the essence of classic Italian design. Whether you’re adorning your Christmas tree, adding a festive touch to your home, or looking for the perfect gift for an art lover, these ornaments are sure to impress.

Why are lustre ceramics special?

Lustre is a sophisticated ceramic-making process that results in a stunning iridescent finish. By applying metallic glazes—such as silver, copper, and gold—onto ceramics, Lustre creates a radiant, mirror-like effect that captures light in the most mesmerizing way. The final result is a beautifully unique piece that adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to any space.

Christmas Ornaments for Art Lovers

Rampini’s Lustre ornaments are not just decorations—they are miniature works of art. Inspired by the iconic Renaissance designs of the Rampini family, each bauble features intricate patterns and stunning details. No two ornaments are the same, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Each ornament comes beautifully packaged in an elegant gift box, complete with a lovely hanger and a certificate of authenticity, ensuring that the magic of Rampini’s craftsmanship is preserved for years to come.

L'articolo Italian Christmas Ornaments for Art Lovers proviene da thatsArte.com.

Deeply rooted in Italy’s cultural and festive traditions, Pandoro is strongly linked to craftsmanship, often paired with hand-painted Italian ceramic cake platters. Together, they represent centuries of tradition.

Just as the Pandoro recipe has been perfected over generations, Italian ceramic cake platters are frequently passed down through families, becoming heirlooms that connect generations through their shared enjoyment of Christmas and family celebrations.

The history of Pandoro is not just about its delicious taste but also about the cultural and historical context that gave birth to one of the most iconic pastries in the world.

The Origins of Pandoro

The origins of Pandoro can be traced back to Verona, a city in northern Italy. Verona has a long history of baking traditions, and it is here that the story of Pandoro begins. The name “pandoro” itself is quite revealing; “pan” means “bread” in Italian, while “oro” translates to “gold.” This golden bread reflects the rich, luxurious nature of the dessert.

One theory suggests that Pandoro originated as a variation of the Veronese cake “Nadalin,” a dessert baked in the shape of a star.
Another suggestion about the cake’s evolution points to the influence of Austrian baking techniques. In the late 19th century, during the time when Verona was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austrian bakers brought with them new culinary ideas, including methods of enriching dough with butter and egg yolks. This could have led to the creation of a much richer and softer cake than what had previously existed.

The Rise of Pandoro in the 19th century

The credit for establishing Pandoro as a Christmas delicacy belongs to Domenico Melegatti, a pastry chef from Verona. On October 14, 1894, Melegatti patented the recipe for a yeast-leavened cake with a light, fluffy texture, achieved through the careful layering of butter and dough.

The pastry chef commissioned an impressionist painter, Angelo Dall’Oca Bianca, to create the mold for his Pandoro. Together, they imagined a design that could visually symbolize the warmth and joy of the holidays, drawing inspiration from the snow-covered mountains to evoke the serenity and purity of winter. The result was the original shape of Pandoro, a groundbreaking innovation in the pastry world that, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing, also allowed for an even distribution of heat during baking, ensuring a soft and consistent texture.

Melegatti’s innovation in perfecting the recipe and his pioneering idea of mass-producing Pandoro played a crucial role in transforming Pandoro from a regional treat into a nationally recognized symbol of Italian holiday cuisine.

The Melegatti company, which still exists today, continues to be a leading producer of Pandoro, and its name remains synonymous with the cake itself.

Pandoro vs. Panettone: The Rivalry

While Pandoro was gradually gaining popularity, another iconic Italian holiday cake was also making its mark: panettone. Hailing from Milan, Panettone is made with a yeast-leavened dough filled with dried fruits, candied peel, and nuts. It shares the holiday spotlight with Pandoro, but the two cakes are distinctly different in their flavor and texture.

To Italians, the rivalry between Pandoro and Panettone is just an excuse to enjoy them side by side during the Holiday season. Each cake has its own loyal following, leading to passionate debates around the Christmas table.

Today, Pandoro is enjoyed not only in Italy but across the globe, wherever Italian communities have established themselves. The cake is often dusted with powdered sugar, adding to its festive appearance, and is typically served in large slices, either plain or with a variety of fillings, such as chocolate spreads, mascarpone cream, or zabaglione, an Italian custard made with egg yolks, Pandoro and wine.

Pandoro is also a symbol of Italian craftsmanship and tradition. In recent years, artisanal bakers have returned to older, more traditional methods of making Pandoro, Pandoroatural yeasts and ingredients sourced locally to recreate the flavors of the past. These artisanal Pandori are often made with meticulous attention to detail, giving them a rich, authentic taste that rivals any mass-produced version.

The Cultural Significance of Pandoro

Pandoro’s importance transcends its role as a simple dessert; it is a symbol of Italian culture, family, and celebration. It is not just a cake—it is a part of the holiday ritual.
In Italy, Pandoro is traditionally shared among family and friends, and it is often the centerpiece of the Christmas dinner table. Its soft, airy texture and golden color evoke feelings of warmth and togetherness, embodying the spirit of the holiday season.

As a timeless symbol of Italian craftsmanship, Pandoro is best served on a hand-painted round platter.
Enjoy it with a cup of coffee, tea or a glass of wine together with your friends and family to share the joy of the holiday season.

L'articolo Pandoro: A Symbol of Italian Tradition and Sweet Indulgence proviene da thatsArte.com.

As lovers and collectors of Italian arts and crafts, we often go out of our way to bring you hidden treasures from our country.

One of our most recent discoveries is the rich tradition of Italian pocket knives. Over the centuries, nearly every Italian region has contributed to this unique form of craftsmanship.

The geography of Italy has greatly influenced its people and their activities, leading local artisans to create specialized tools that suit the specific tasks of their communities, whether in farming, hunting, or breeding. Consequently, knife makers from different areas have designed blades tailored to meet everyday needs, reflecting the lifestyles of our ancestors.

While exploring the fascinating history of Italian knife making, we came across the Berti and Consigli regional pocket knives—two outstanding collections of meticulously crafted blades. These collections not only celebrate Italy’s regional diversity but also serve as powerful symbols of the enduring legacy of Italian artisanship and cultural richness.

Berti and Consigli, two small yet prestigious Tuscan companies, have embraced the centuries-old tradition of Italian knife-making. Over the past hundred years, they have hand-forged some of Italy’s finest knives, ranging from functional kitchen and steak knives to exquisite pocket knives.

Their craftsmanship reflects the time-honored methods that embody the essence of “Made in Italy”: exceptional quality, stunning artistry, and rich heritage.

Both companies are located in Scarperia, a charming town north of Florence, known for its blade-making expertise dating back to the 1400s.

The pocket knives in the Berti and Consigli collections are not just tools; they are handcrafted masterpieces made from high-quality stainless steel and exquisite materials like ox and buffalo horn, boxwood, snakewood, olive wood, and luxurious lucite. Investing in these pocket knives means owning a piece of Italian history and craftsmanship, ensuring that the art of knife-making continues to thrive for generations to come.

Here is a short overview of the Italian pocket knives we have hand-picked for you.

Anconetano Pocket Knife by Consigli

Region: Marche
Handle material: ox horn

The Anconetano pocket knife was traditionally used by fishermen to mend fishing nets. It bears a flat spring on its handle’s spine, which makes it easy to clean. When the knife is closed, you can see a small notch in the metal spine. This notch was once used for mending fishing nets.

Calabrese Pocket Knife by Consigli

Region: Calabria
Handle material: ox horn

The Calabrese pocket knife was initially used by brigands, who roamed the rugged terrain of Calabria. They were considered heroes by the local people for their role in the Italian unification process. After the end of the brigantage, the Calabrese knife evolved into a well-liked and adaptable tool for both work and dining purposes.

Castrino Pocket Knife by Berti

Region: Lombardy
Handle material: ox horn

The Castrino pocket knife was originally created as a tool for veterinary surgeons to perform minor procedures, as well as for farmers to use during castration – hence its name. The knife was traditionally used in a half-open position, with the thumb placed on the back of the blade to ensure precision during cuts.

Convivio Pocket Knife by Berti

Region: Tuscany
Handle material: available in ox horn and lucite

The Convivio pocket knife is a well-balanced tool, perfect for any lifestyle. It is equally loved by foodies who want a personal knife when dining out and adventure seekers. It was designed by Berti as a contemporary addition to their vast array of traditional pocket knives.

Fiorentino Pocket Knife by Berti and Consigli

Region: Tuscany (Florence)
Handle material: ox horn

The Fiorentino folding pocket knife is an elegant, lightweight knife with a keen cutting edge. It was designed to be a multifunctional knife for farming-related tasks. It is crafted with a bolster, a thick junction between the handle and the knife blade, which strengthens the knife and enhances its durability and balance.

Gobbo Pocket Knife by Berti and Consigli

Region: Abruzzo
Handle material: handle available in ox horn, bone and lucite

The Gobbo folding pocket knife has a distinctive curved handle, hence its name “gobbo”, in Italian hunchback. It is a light and versatile blade, typically used by shepherds and peasants for fieldwork. Today, it can be used for any task, from dining to gardening.

Maremmano Pocket Knife by Berti and Consigli

Region: Tuscany and Lazio
Handle material: handle available inox horn and boxwood

The Maremmano pocket knife’s distinctive blade recalls the shape of a leaf. It was originally from the Maremma, a coastal area between Lazio and Tuscany, and is well known for its cattle ranching and the production of excellent cheese and the famous Fiorentina steak.

Mozzetta Pocket Knife by Consigli

Region: Sardinia
Handle material: ox horn

The Mozzetta pocket knife became very popular in Italy in 1908 after the enactment of a law that prohibited carrying knives with pointed blades longer than 4 cm – less than 2 inches. The term “mozzetta” is derived from the Italian verb “mozzare” meaning “to cut off or to crop.” This pocket knife is ideal as a cigar cutter.

Caccia Mugellano Pocket Knife by Consigli

Region: Tuscany
Handle material: ox horn

The Caccia Mugellano pocket knife features a sturdy, broad, leaf-shaped blade and a handle that ends with a slight “beak”. It has been a popular hunting knife in Tuscany since the early 20th century.

Napoletano Pocket Knife by Berti

Region: Campania
Handle material: ox horn

The Napoletano pocket knife features a heavy-duty sharp blade and tip, as well as a monolithic handle. It was designed for hunting and farming due to its reliable and sturdy nature. The knife boasts a solid buffalo horn handle and is crafted in a way that allows both the tip and the blade to cut with ease.

Rasolino Pocket Knife by Consigli

Region: Sicily
Handle material: ox horn

The Rasolino pocket knife, just like the Sardinian Mozzetta, became popular in Italy in 1908 after the enactment of a law that prohibited wearing pointed knives. It features a unique cut-off, razor-shaped blade, hence its name.

Roncola Pocket Knife by Berti

Region: Piedmont and Lombardy
Handle material: available in ox horn and Lucite

The Roncola pocket knife features a classic foraging profile. It was designed for farming and gardening tasks, such as grafting, pruning and harvesting fruit and vegetables. This knife features a bolster, a thick junction between the handle and the blade, providing strength and balance. Ideal for mushroom hunters!

Senese Pocket Knife by Berti and Consigli

Region: Tuscany (Siena)
Handle material: available in ox horn and boxwood

The Senese pocket knife is a lightweight, simply fashioned and sturdy knife from Siena, Tuscany. It is a highly adaptable tool that can be used for a wide range of daily tasks. It features a sharp scimitar blade that is similar to those found on other Tuscan knives like the Fiorentino and the Zuava.

Tre Pianelle Pocket Knife by Consigli

Region: Sicily and Lazio
Handle material: ox horn

The Tre Pianelle pocket knife derives its name from the three distinct planes on the blade. Traditionally, both edges of the blade were sharpened, but nowadays, only the internal or bottom edge is sharpened, while the top edge is left unsharpened to allow for secure folding. This knife, also known as Stiletto, serves mostly hunting and defense purposes.

Vernante Pocket Knife by Consigli

Region: Piedmont
Handle material: ox horn

The Vernante pocket knife is a testament to the craftsmanship of antique springless knives. Its blade is designed with a rear tab that halts the blade’s movement and also acts as a support for opening it. This knife was used by shepherds and farmers in their daily tasks, from shaving to slicing bread and cheese.

Zuava Pocket Knife by Berti and Consigli

Region: Tuscany
Handle material: available in ox horn, snakewood and olive wood

The Zuava pocket knife is designed with an interior metal casing and solid metal heads, making it incredibly durable and long-lasting. It also features a bolster, which is a thick junction between the handle and the blade, providing strength and balance. This knife was traditionally a farmer’s tool, strong and versatile.

L'articolo Italian Pocket Knives proviene da thatsArte.com.