Ceramics have been a Tuscan art dating back centuries, and the tradition continues today in many cities in Italy.
However, you can often find a conglomeration of styles in Florence, where artisans bring in their best work in order to display it for the visitors to the city. Each design is unique:either it has been a symbol of a Tuscan family for generations or it has come to represent multiple things.
If you're considering bringing home your own collection of ceramics to keep, then stop by Rampini Ceramics on the Santo Spirito side of the Arno.
One of the classic designs at Rampini — Photo courtesy of Rampini Ceramics
In the spirit of the Chianti region, Rampini strives to represent the best of the best in Tuscan artistry. Though they're a family-run business and most of the ceramics you'll find are created in-house, they are also open to including talented new artists to contribute to their store.
The entire process of making the ceramics is done in the traditional manner; you'll find it's done in exactly the same way as it was hundreds of years ago.
One of the hardest parts about purchasing ceramics is choosing which designs you like best. With so many different ones available, it can be difficult to make a decision on which ones you might want to ship home. Rampini has multiple series worth considering, and one of their most popular ones includes themes from the Renaissance – the ultimate moment in Italy's history.
You might also think about purchasing some designs representing the various Italian animals. Not only are they a delightful work of art, but they are also a representation of the importance of domesticated animals in Italy during that time period.
Rampini takes great pride in its involvement in Florence's history. On the store's website, you can find the story of Giuseppe Rampini and his run-in with the Medici family. Although this may be just a legend, the pride that the Rampini shop and family have for their connection with Florence's past is undeniable.
In a way, buying some of their beautiful and delicate works is like having your own piece of Italy, something you, too, can pass down for generations to come.
Rampini Ceramics is located not far from the Pitti Palace at Piazza di Santa Maria Sopr'Arno. Feel free to stop by the shop, where you can see the artisans at work.
Also, be sure to ask about their shipping policy, so you know that your purchases will arrive safely at their destination.
