About Artistica - Deruta of Italy Ceramics...

We ONLY feature genuine Italian hand-painted ceramic dinnerware, masterfully hand-decorated by old-school artists from Deruta, Firenze, Vietri-Amalfi, and Faenza.
All Artistica's Dinnerware and Tabletop Products are Guaranteed 100% Food Safe.
Our manufacturers do NOT use any glaze or color pigment with lead content in our dinnerware and tabletop products.
Furthermore, we independently inspected and tested these products to comply with FDA standards and U.S.A. import regulations for lead and cadmium.
> See our latest independent laboratory test <

> Learn about THE MAKING OF ITALIAN POTTERY <

Microwave and Conventional Oven Use
Artistica—Deruta's dinnerware products are fired at about 1800 Degrees F., so they are very resistant to high heat. However, they are manufactured to be used as "serving" pieces, not cookware.
Nevertheless, YES, they can be used for moderate reheating of food in both conventional and microwave ovens.
For the Microwave oven, we recommend the following tested times: Mugs 1 to 2 minutes, Dishes, Bowls, etc., up to 4 minutes. Be careful when handling any piece out of the oven, as it may get hot.

Dishwasher Safe
All Artistica's Deruta dinnerware, mugs, and tabletop products are electric dishwasher safe, but it is recommended to place the dishes or ceramics far apart to avoid touching each other during high-pressure dishwashing.

CHARACTERISTICS of MAJOLICA and EARTHENWARE CERAMICS:
The crazing effect
With repeated use or changes in temperature and humidity, earthenware ceramics have a tendency to "craze" (forming minuscule hairline cracks in the glazing). The crazing is the nature of earthenware, and it has no significant effect on the ceramics, but sometimes, it is a much sought-after effect.
It may appear several days or even years after production and is caused by the thermal expansions of glaze and ceramic body that expand slightly on heating and contract on cooling as the glaze "stretches" on the ware and cracks.

Dinnerware Thermal Shock and cracking
Earthenware is sensitive to extreme temperatures, such as boiling or freezing liquids. Therefore, pour hot liquids into your plates or cups slowly to avoid sudden temperature changes that may crack your ceramic piece.

The beauty of imperfection
Because each piece of Majolica and Ceramic is individually crafted, you will notice slight variations in color and size that in Home Decor items such as Planters, Urns, Vases, and Cachepots may reach up to +/- 10%
Furthermore, occasionally, you will note paint smudges, fingerprints, and looseness of lids. These variances should not be considered imperfections but as evidence of fine, hand-crafted work.

100% Food Safe
All Artistica's Dinnerware and Tabletop Products are Guaranteed 100% Food Safe. Our manufactures do NOT use any glaze or color pigment with lead content in our dinnerware and tabletop products.
Furthermore we independently inspected and test these products to comply with FDA standards and U.S.A. import regulations for lead and cadmium.
See our latest independent laboratory test.

AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
We understand that Authenticity is of the most concern when purchasing fine Italian pottery.
When you order from us, rest assured that you will receive absolutely first quality, genuine products!
- All of our products are brand new, 100% Authentic, Original products Hand Painted and Hand Made in Italy.
All our products are always accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and further authenticated with a tamper-evident Hologram Sticker.
- Our company was the very first direct importer in the United States of real Deruta pottery since 1983.
- Orders are shipped promptly from our Glenview, IL, USA warehouse.