DESCRIPTION A rectangular Italian lacquered-wood tray featuring a stylized elephant on a deep blue ground, framed by traditional Sicilian decorative patterns. Made in Italy by Ortigia Sicilia using traditional lacquer techniques. The elephant motif is one of the brand's recognizable signatures, reading as both whimsical and design-forward. The tray measures 16" × 12" × 2" and is built of lacquered wood (not ceramic), finished with a high-gloss surface that protects the painted design and gives the tray its distinctive sheen. Hand-finished, so subtle differences in lacquer depth and saturation are part of the look. The rectangular format is well-suited for narrow surfaces — consoles, bar carts, kitchen islands — where a round tray would be too wide. Use it as a serving tray for tea, cocktails, desserts, or appetizers; as a vanity tray for perfumes (a natural pairing with Ortigia's scent line); or as a styled accent on a console, bar cart, or sideboard. The Ortigia Sicilia line was featured in HBO's The White Lotus, filmed at the San Domenico Palace in Taormina, where the brand is sold on-property. Specifications Dimensions: 16" × 12" × 2" Material: Hand-lacquered wood, high-gloss finish Made in: Italy Brand: Ortigia Sicilia Pattern: Stylized elephant on deep blue ground with Sicilian decorative borders Care: Wipe clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth · Not dishwasher safe · Not microwave safe · Not oven safe · Avoid soaking Sold as: Individual tray, in Ortigia Sicilia gift packaging Questions buyers ask Is this wood or ceramic? Lacquered wood — lighter than ceramic, with a high-gloss wipe-clean surface. What's the shape and size? Rectangular, 16" long by 12" wide by 2" deep — sized to fit narrow consoles, bar carts, or kitchen islands where a round tray won't fit. How does it compare to the Ortigia Jungle and Giraffe trays? Same brand, same lacquered-wood construction. The Elephant is rectangular (better for narrow surfaces); the Jungle and Giraffe trays are round and square respectively. Is it food safe? Yes for dry food, finger foods, espresso, and similar service. Avoid cutting directly on it or placing very wet or hot food in prolonged direct contact. Can I put it in the dishwasher? No — lacquered wood is wipe-clean only. Where is it made? In Italy, by Ortigia Sicilia — founded in Sicily in 2006 by Sue Townsend. 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 Sicily, 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 Ortigia Sicilia is a privately owned Italian soap and scent company founded in Sicily in 2006 by Sue Townsend. The luxurious range of scented products is formulated using natural products indigenous to Sicily and inspired by the aesthetics, colours and scents of Italy’s most historic and tropical region. The name Ortigia comes from the small island that lies at the edge of the ancient fortified city of Siracusa, on Sicily’s southeastern coast. The streets of Ortigia are crumbling baroque façades of great splendour looking out on 3 sides to the sea. Sicily is enriched with a colourful history of conquest, invasion and assimilation — Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and others left their mark. The island’s history, reflected in the uniquely rich and layered culture that is found in Sicily today, has inspired the creation of the Ortigia range.
