Deruta is a tiny town whose residents make maiolica—tin-glazed earthenware with opaque white glaze and decorated with coloured metal oxide enamel. Ceramic artists Amity and husband Glenn pause at the town’s entrance featuring a welcome sign, a maiolica design.

Maiolica reached Italy in mid-15th century and became a celebrated ceramic art form.

OK, I couldn’t resist sharing another door—this one featuring a decorative transom.

Storefront signage.

I returned home with two ceramic pieces painted by artisan Diana D’Orsi. The upper, a traditional design, contrasts the lower more modern peacock feather pattern. I’m looking forward to using them as paperweights in my studio.

Coming up in the series:

Umbria: Bevagna—Papermaker

Umbria: Cascata delle Marmore—Manmade Waterfall

Umbria: Farewell—Ink, Paint, Paper, Passion