Ceramic box from Bassano with Pierrot mask, made in the 1970s

Ø cm 17 Ø cm 10 h cm 11,5

The ceramics of Bassano del Grappa is an artistic and craft tradition with a long history, deeply rooted in the Veneto region. In fact, it is often referred to as "ceramics of Bassano and Nove" because the two locations, just a few kilometers apart, have developed a ceramic production with common characteristics and an intertwined history.

The origins of ceramics in Bassano date back to ancient times, but the period of greatest splendor began in the 17th century, particularly with the establishment of the Manardi manufacture, which in 1669 obtained the exclusive rights for the production of majolica throughout the territory of the Republic of Venice for the next 50 years. This period saw the birth of a style defined as "artistic," "courtly," or "neorococo," characterized by:

Emphasis on ornamental plastic motifs, with relief decorations that enriched the surfaces, and realistic scenes, landscapes, mythological figures, and floral motifs that covered the ceramics.

In the following centuries, the ceramic production of Bassano and Nove continued to evolve, following the various artistic trends and market tastes. Today, the ceramic tradition is still alive, with numerous artisan workshops and companies producing high-quality artistic ceramics.