About fifteen years ago, when we’d been married just a year, Deruta pottery snuck in to our home.
We were on a trip to Victoria, Canada. In a small shop, a jar meant for coffee caught my eye. I loved the unusual pattern and pallet of aqua, yellow, navy, and rust. On the bottom, the jar had a signature and the word “Deruta”. I’d never heard of Deruta. Since then we’ve collected a few pieces: a clock, a utensil holder, a vase.
Deruta is just a 45 minute drive from Brigolante, so we decided to go have a look.
Today is overcast and in the tiny town’s main square, the fountain is under repair. For 50 feet around it, the pavement is gone and the soil beneath upturned. We balance along narrow wooden and steel panels lined up as temporary walkways. Beyond the square, we reach a stretch of bricked road lined on either side by dozens of ceramics selling shops. Some shops are open, others are shuttered. The town feels sleepy, ready to rest after summer’s busy days.
At the end of the street, we step in to a park with a sweeping view. Here picnic tables, benches, and even the water fountain displays Deruta’s famous ceramics.
We need a new table top for our back patio – I think this will do. Maybe someday…
In this little shop, the guitars are stunning. In the window, a guitar and a newspaper article are on display. The photo shows Carlos Santana playing the guitar at the Umbria Jazz festival earlier this year.
We like this shop especially. The woman working owns the shop, but is also the artist; she’s been busy.
We decide to buy a little wine bottle coaster – something reasonable to stuff in a suitcase. We come very close to buying this.
But just leave with this.
Bring a little taste of Italy into your home with one of these delicious recipes:
Collette says
May 3, 2019 at 6:28 amWhat is the name of the ceramics shop you loved?
Marissa says
May 5, 2019 at 10:40 pmHi, Collette! I wish that I’d noted the name of the shop and artist, but sadly I didn’t and now it’s been so many years that I don’t remember. If you have a chance to visit Deruta, you should. It’s a wonderful place visit, with so many shops filled with beautiful pottery from talented artists to explore.
Thom says
October 26, 2011 at 3:55 amI have seen a lot of gorgeous ceramics in my latin america travels, but these take the cake. I think you should ship the tabletop back ( and a guitar for a really special realtor).
marissa says
October 26, 2011 at 10:25 amI’d need to buy two, because I’d really like to buy one for my dad…
Jenn says
October 24, 2011 at 6:18 pmI remember that piece of pottery so well! I remember talking about Deruta. How amazing to be there and see that first hand!!
marissa says
October 24, 2011 at 8:37 pmRemember the pretty ceramic olive oil jar you bought me – yellow with black olives??
Toni says
October 22, 2011 at 5:55 pmHey Marissa….you were sooooo right about my loving to spend HOURS in that pottery shop…with the two of you of course! My “mouth flew open” as I began to scan your photos.
Colo says
October 22, 2011 at 2:43 pmThe pottery is absolutely beautiful and I would love to have the table top, but more than anything… don’t laugh… I want the Santana Poster! Travel, Wine, and Music hold a special place in my heart.
My first concert in 1970 was Carlos Santana, and since that date I have seen him an additional 6 times. He is on my iPod and frequently fills my office with his running riffs. Santana was quoted as saying, “music is nothing but audible color, and my guitar is a rainbow” (not sure if that is it exactly but close)
With the beauty of the pottery, the guitars, the beautiful little town in a far off romantic land – please tell me you had a wonderful wine with lunch.
Samba Pa Ti – A dance for you (two)
Pour a glass of wine, click on the link and enjoy the dance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSECQtF58BU
Once again thanks for sharing your adventures
marissa says
October 22, 2011 at 5:31 pmThank you for the dance…