DESCRIPTION This Contrade espresso cup and saucer is hand-painted in Siena and finished with 24-karat gold by the Santa Caterina workshop. It belongs to Biordi's Contrade from Siena collection, which honours the seventeen historic districts of the city. The Dolphin stands for Onda, the Wave district, which runs south from the Piazza del Campo and was traditionally home to carpenters. Its symbol is a dolphin, its colours white and sky blue, and it calls itself “the colour of Heaven, the force of the sea.” Onda carries the honorary title of captain contrada. Each of the seventeen Contrade competes for pride in the Palio, the bareback horse race run in the Piazza del Campo that dates back to 1656. All seventeen designs are available, so you can collect the full set over time or choose the single district that means the most to you. The small imperfections such as the difference in color, shape, diameter or small bubbles that form inside, do not constitute a defect but testify that it is actually an artisanal product. Specifications Dimensions: Espresso (demitasse) cup, 4 oz, with matching saucer Material: Hand-painted Italian majolica with 24kt gold detailing Made in: Siena, Tuscany, Italy Workshop: Ceramiche S. Caterina (Santa Caterina) Pattern: Contrade — Dolphin (Onda), the carpenters' district of Siena Heritage: The 17 Contrade of Siena, celebrated at the Palio (a race dating to 1656) Care: Hand-wash recommended to protect the 24kt gold · Not microwave safe · Not dishwasher safe Sold as: One espresso cup with saucer (all 17 Contrade designs available) Mixes with: The other 16 Contrade designs and Biordi's Siena and Tuscan tableware Questions buyers ask What does the Dolphin design represent? The Dolphin is the emblem of Onda, the Wave district, which runs south from the Piazza del Campo and was traditionally home to carpenters. Its colours are white and sky blue, and Onda holds the honorary title of captain contrada. Can I collect all 17 Contrade? Yes. All seventeen Siena districts are made as 24kt espresso cups, so you can build a full set or pick the single Contrada tied to someone's family, neighbourhood, or a memorable trip to Siena. Is the gold real? Yes — each cup is finished by hand with 24-karat gold. Because it's real metal, wash by hand and keep these cups out of the microwave and dishwasher. Is this a good Italian wedding gift? Yes. A 24kt Contrade cup is a small luxury with real meaning — choose the couple's district, or give a pair to start their collection. It sits beautifully alongside other Siena and Tuscan pieces from Biordi. Is this a good housewarming or hostess gift? Yes. An espresso cup finished in real gold is a memorable, affordable way to bring a piece of Siena to someone's table. Why buy Italian gifts from Biordi rather than other retailers? Biordi Art Imports has been San Francisco's source for authentic Italian ceramics since 1946, voted Best Overall Retailer in the SF Bay Guardian's Best of the Bay reader's poll for five straight years, and is a San Francisco Legacy Business (#LBR-2020-21-029). We import directly from the artisans we represent — including Ceramiche S. Caterina, FIMA, CF Deruta, Pia Formato, Eugenio Ricciarelli, Susanna DeSimone, Geribi, Bucci Ceramiche, Ortigia Sicilia, Italesse, and Salviati — so every piece is the real thing, hand-painted in Italy. Can this be customized or personalized? Customization and personalization are available on select pieces. Eugenio Ricciarelli, FIMA, Pia Formato, Geribi, and CF Deruta accept special orders — a name, date, or occasion painted on the piece, or a different size or shape in the workshop's existing pattern. Lead time is typically 3–6 months because each piece is hand-painted to order in Italy. Contact Biordi Art Imports at (415) 392-8096 or [email protected]. Artisan Story Santa Caterina Siena 24kt Espresso Cups & Saucers Ceramiche S. Caterina, established in 1949 in Siena, has a rich legacy in ceramics. Founded by Marcello Neri, who took ownership in 1961, the studio has become a hallmark of quality craftsmanship, blending traditional techniques with contemporary artistry. Marcello, a Siena native and graduate of the Institute of Art, honed his skills under Fausto Corsini and further developed his craft in Montelupo Fiorentino. Fabio, son of Marcello, now paints for Santa Caterina. Their pieces have been presented as gifts to President Bill Clinton, Emperor Akihito, and Pope John Paul II, cementing their status as prominent cultural ambassadors for Italian art.
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