DESCRIPTION Contrade Italian Dinnerware is available in all 17 District Designs and each design is available in eight different products. The Shell (Nicchio), for centuries has represented the "Rione del Nicchio" during the Palio horse race. "Rione" stands for Neighborhood. The Contrade Italian Ceramics are handcrafted in Siena, Italy. Nicchio is situated in the far eastern corner of the city. Traditionally, its residents worked as potters. Nicchio's symbol is a crowned scallop shell flanked by two branches of coral. Its colours are blue, with yellow and red trim. Nicchio is one of only four nobile (noble) contrade; it earned its title for bravery shown during the Battle of Montaperti against Florence in 1260, when its soldiers led the attack. Nicchio’s allies are Bruco, Onda and Tartuca. Its rival is Valdimontone (since 1952). This piece is created as a special order, hand-painted just for you by skilled Italian artisans. Each item is crafted individually using time-honored techniques, resulting in a one-of-a-kind work that carries the mark and spirit of its maker. Because of this meticulous process, production takes time—but it is precisely this dedication to craftsmanship that makes it worth the wait. Place your special order and bring home an authentic piece made exclusively for 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. ARTISAN STORY During the Renaissance, Italian cities were partitioned into districts or neighborhoods called Contrade to supply troops to the military. Today, the most celebrated Contrade are of Siena, where 17 Contrade, each represented by a symbol or animal, compete in the Piazza del Campo for pride and the glory of winning in a biannual horse race called the Palio di Siena, which dates back to 1656.
