The History of Bassano Ceramics

Bassano Ceramics is a centuries-old family-owned ceramic art form and business that started in northern Italy in the late 17th century and continues to this day. The Bassano family is one of Italy's oldest and most esteemed ceramic art families, producing fine, hand-painted pottery and tiles for more than 300 years.

The original Bassano family, led by Giuseppe and Antonio Bassano, began producing pottery and tiles in Bassano Del Grappa in the Veneto region of northern Italy in the late 17th century. Their production focused primarily on utilitarian objects like pitchers, jars, and mortars, and the earliest pieces featured sophisticated blue and yellow designs.

In the 19th century, the Bassano family's production shifted toward decorative objects and tiles, some of which were highly sought after by the aristocracy of Europe. These pieces often featured intricate floral designs, colorful landscapes, and figures from Classical mythology. At its peak, the Bassano Ceramics works employed up to 500 craftspeople to produce over 50,000 pieces a year.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the family’s production changed yet again to include Art Nouveau designs, landscapes, and abstract motifs. Today, Bassano Ceramics continues to make handmade pottery and tiles with a focus on traditional themes and methods. In the modern era, Bassano Ceramics has expanded its production to include a variety of forms and styles of art ceramics.

Bassano Ceramics, based in Bassano del Grappa, northern Italy, has a long and distinguished history of pottery production. Created by the Puccio family, Bassano Ceramics has been producing art ceramics since the 16th century. The Puccio family artisans have kept traditional methods and designs alive through the centuries, many of which have been passed down through the generations.

The traditional Bassano Ceramics designs often feature images of local nature, including vineyards, animals, birds, flowers, and other motifs related to the region. The art ceramics also feature brightly colored glazes and hand-painted details. Along with its traditional designs, Bassano Ceramics has produced contemporary pieces inspired by modern art, featuring bold lines and shapes in bright and vibrant colors.

Bassano Ceramics is one of the oldest and most renowned ceramics producers in Italy, and the Puccio family is one of the few artisans to work traditionally still. Although the Puccio family primarily works with traditional designs and methods, they have also adapted their production to include more modern forms and styles. The contemporary pieces combine classic elements with modern design while still maintaining the high standard of artistry and craftsmanship associated with Bassano Ceramics. 

The image to the left displays a large 1950s Tureen Italian Vase in porcelain Hand made with Signed Bassano Porcelain flowers Made in Italy. This richly decorated vintage stamped tureen. The decorated tureen with roses and flowers in relief in white earthenware—some traces of wear, pretty marks of the past. Magnificent decorative tureen made in Italy will find its place on a lovely sideboard or a central island for a rococo and baroque decoration!