Wall shelf in hand-painted Faenza ceramic, made in the early 20th century 

Ø cm 19 Ø cm 14 h cm 21

Antique ceramic shelves are fascinating objects that combine functionality with the aesthetics of the past. They represent a piece of the history of furniture and craftsmanship, and can add a touch of elegance and authenticity to any environment.

They were often made of majolica or porcelain, materials that contain detailed decorations and vivid colors. Craft techniques such as hand painting, carving, and glazing give uniqueness to each piece.

From Baroque to Art Nouveau, passing through Neoclassical, antique shelves reflect the artistic styles of different eras. Floral motifs, landscapes, mythological figures, and scenes of daily life are common in the decorations.

Important production centers include Italy (Castelli, Faenza, Naples), France (Limoges), Germany (Meissen), and Spain (Valencia).

Faenza ceramics are one of the most important and oldest Italian ceramic traditions, originating from the city of Faenza in Emilia-Romagna. Its fame is such that the term "faience" in French and "faience" in English have become synonyms for maiolica, testifying to its international influence.

The first ceramic kilns in Faenza date back to the 1st century BC, but it was during the Renaissance that the city reached the peak of its ceramic production, becoming a center of excellence.
Faenza ceramics are predominantly maiolica, a tin-glazed earthenware, coated with an opaque glaze based on tin oxide that provides a white and bright background, ideal for pictorial decoration.
Even today, Faenza ceramics are produced with artisanal techniques handed down through the centuries. The process includes shaping the clay, the first firing to obtain the "biscuit", glazing, preparing the design with spolvero (a perforated cardboard), brush decoration with colors based on metallic oxides, and the final firing with glaze to give brilliance.
Over the centuries, several distinctive decorative styles have developed:
"Pavona" or "Peacock Feather" Style, 15th-century motif inspired by the eye of the peacock feather. "Persian Palmette" Style, stylized floral decorations with Eastern influence (15th-16th century). Istoriato Style, complex narrative scenes, often taken from biblical, mythological, or literary episodes (16th century).
Compendiary Style, faster and more essential decorations (second half of the 16th century). Berrettino Style, monochrome blue background with white or yellow-orange decorations (16th century). Carnation Decoration, stylized floral motif, typical of the 18th century and still very popular today. Raffaellesque Decoration, motifs inspired by Roman grotesques and the works of Raphael (17th-18th century).