Handmade Italian Dinnerware Inspired by Renaissance Colors

Inspiration comes in many forms. For MERCATO, the rich colors of Italian Renaissance art, the exterior walls of villas, the complex hues of an old fresco, the rich interiors of palazzos and the timeworn palette of every Duomo, have all provided the inspiration behind MERCATO’s Fresco Collection of dinner and serveware.

On one of my to trips to Italy, I purchased the book Florence and the Renaissance at the Uffizi Gallery bookstore. We would like to share some of the images in that book contrasted against some of our Fresco Collection to better illustrate our inspiration.

1.Masaccio Fresco- The Punishment of Ananias (detail of woman and child)

2.Benozzo Gozzoli-Fresco-The Procession of the Magi (detail with the Emperor’s pages)

3.Benozzo Gozzoli- Detail  Includes Benozzo Gozzoli’s self-portrait indicated by an inscription on his hat.

4.Sandro Botticelli-Tempera on Wood-The Adoration of the Magi (detail)

5.Andrea Della Robbia-enamelled terracotta-Bust of a boy-

The Fresco Italian dinnerware sets, which include the dinner plate, salad plate, a pasta/soup bowl and a cup, are available in 10 “inspirational” colors. The tableware collection also includes serving bowls and platters.

In Italy, the art of making ceramics flourished during the Renaissance period and the Italians have long been considered among the most highly skilled artists of this craft ever since. With the MERCATO Fresco dinnerware you can easily create your own one-of-a-kind table setting with these colorful and artistic 'made in Italy' dinnerware sets.