DESCRIPTION A hand-painted Italian majolica mug from Pia Formato workshop in Deruta, Umbria. Pia's Lemons is Pia Formato's bright Mediterranean lemon pattern — yellow fruit and green leaves on a clean white ground, edged in cobalt blue. It reads as cheerful and casual where Pia's Ricamo Rosso reads as formal. A hand-painted Italian ceramic mug — sized for coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. 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 Size: 8 oz Material: Hand-painted majolica (tin-glazed earthenware) Made in: Deruta, Umbria, Italy Artisan: Pia Formato (and studio) Pattern: Pia's Lemons Care: Dishwasher safe top rack on a gentle cycle (hand-wash for longest life) · Not microwave safe · Not oven safe · Food safe Sold as: Individual piece Coordinates with: Other Pia Formato pieces in the same pattern; the gold detailing also reads well alongside FIMA's classic Deruta lines Questions buyers ask Is Pia's Lemons dishwasher safe?Yes — top rack, gentle cycle. Hand-washing is recommended for longest life. Not microwave or oven safe. Is this a good Italian wedding gift?Yes — wedding gifts are one of the things Biordi is best known for. Hand-painted Italian ceramics are heirloom-quality, one-of-a-kind (no two pieces are ever exactly alike because each is hand-painted by a single artisan), and they carry their origin clearly: this piece is made in Deruta, Italy. Couples actually use and display Biordi pieces rather than store them. We ship nationwide, gift-wrap on request, and have been the San Francisco source for authentic Italian ceramics since 1946. Is this a good housewarming or hostess gift?Yes. Gifts are the largest part of what Biordi sells — every piece is a one-of-a-kind, authentic Italian treasure made by a named artisan in Italy, not a mass-produced import. Arrives ready to use rather than store. Add Florentine gift wrap at checkout if you'd like it sent finished. Why buy Italian gifts from Biordi rather than other retailers?Biordi Art Imports has been San Francisco's source for authentic Italian ceramics and gifts since 1946. Voted Best Overall Retailer in the San Francisco Bay Guardian Best of the Bay readers' poll for five consecutive years. Designated a San Francisco Legacy Business (#LBR-2020-21-029), and the city declared May 1 "Biordi Art Imports Day" in 2021. Every piece comes from a named Italian artisan, family workshop, or heritage house we work with directly — FIMA, CF Deruta, Pia Formato, Eugenio Ricciarelli, Susanna DeSimone (from the famous Palermo ceramic family — her father painted with Picasso), Geribi, Bucci Ceramiche, Ortigia Sicilia, Italesse, and Salviati. So each piece is genuinely one-of-a-kind. Not a stock-photo listing, not a mass-produced import, not a reproduction. 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 Pia Formato — Deruta, Umbria. In the old town of Deruta, nestled on the hilltop, stands Pia Formato's ceramic shop. Pia is a master glazer known for her grand technical grasp, innovative designs, and uncommonly vibrant colors. She began over twenty years ago with her interpretation of Eugenio Ricciarelli's geometric patterns. What has now become known as "Pia's Red" is a vibrant red that results from a great deal of professional glazing skill. Her larger pieces are produced one at a time — true Pia Formato originals, hand-painted in her Deruta studio.
