The sublime art of sgraffito pottery in Ferrara

Ceramics has been an art form present in the city of Ferrara since ancient times. However, it wasn’t until the early 15th century that a new type of ceramics emerged, one that would find great success during the Renaissance period: sgraffito pottery. This pottery technique consists of applying to an unfired ceramic body two successive layers of contrasting slip or glaze, and then in either case scratching so as to reveal parts of the underlying layer.

Italian sgraffito pottery flourished primarily in the northern regions, exhibiting nuanced variations depending on location and era. It found prolific production in Emilia Romagna, with Ferrara emerging as a standout. Ferrara – a city UNESCO World Heritage Site – distinguished itself as the most vibrant and artistically rich hub, evidenced by the remnants of plates and vases depicting the court’s dramas. An intimate testimony of customs, characters, and symbols of an era that can be admired at Palazzo Schifanoia, home to one of the most important ceramic collections of the Este period, comprising over 800 exquisite pieces crafted between the 14th and 17th centuries.

How is Sgraffito Pottery Made?

Sgraffito pottery begins its creation process on a pottery wheel, crafted from red sedimentary clay. A layer of white fluid clay, known as slip, is delicately applied to the still raw and slightly damp object. Using a brush, the preliminary design is freely hand-drawn onto the white clay surface. Then, with a thin metal point, the design is meticulously etched into the white clay, revealing the underlying gray clay that will transform to red upon firing.

The preferred color palette often includes shades such as copper green (derived from copper oxide), iron yellow (from iron oxide), and manganese purple (from manganese oxide). Before undergoing another round of firing in the kiln, the piece is partially glazed with colorless or subtly tinted crystalline glazes, infused with the same metallic oxides, to imbue it with waterproofing qualities.

History of Sgraffito Pottery in Ferrara

The history of Ferrarese sgraffito pottery finds its roots in the high medieval artifacts originating from China and the vast expanses of the Iranian Plateau, which made their way to the Italian shores through extensive commercial trade with the East. The earliest pottery discovered in Ferrarese excavations, dating no earlier than the 13th century, foreshadows a significant development throughout the 14th century, culminating in its peak of ornamental richness and execution perfection between approximately 1440 and 1520.

During the initial phase of sgraffito pottery, known as the archaic period, manufacturing processes in the Po Valley and surrounding regions exhibited remarkable uniformity in both form and ornamentation. The clays found in the Po Valley were especially conducive to the use of basic metallic oxides such as copper, iron, and lead, in the production of the characteristic glazes of this pottery style. Ornamental narratives predominantly feature geometric and floral motifs, with occasional depictions of human figures and frequent representations of birds or fantastical animals.

Among these productions, extending beyond the northern Italian regions, Ferrara emerges as a preeminent center and genuine pioneer from the early half of the 15th century. This emergence can be attributed to an extraordinary event in the history and art of the Este family: the Ecumenical Council of 1438. In that year, Ferrara played host to the council, welcoming Pope Eugene IV and Eastern Emperor John VIII Palaiologos, accompanied by a retinue of eminent scholars, humanists, and the remarkable artist Antonio Pisano, known as Pisanello. Pisanello’s activities served as inspiration for the finest workshops producing sgraffito ceramics of that era.

The Sgraffito Tradition Today

Today in Ferrara, a variety of ceramics are crafted, showcased annually at the Ceramica in FEsta event. Among the prominent master artisans still dedicated to graffito pottery is Franco Mazza, who pays homage to this technique and its illustrious Renaissance heritage through his creations. Mazza stands out as one of the few adept practitioners of this art form, skillfully reinterpreting and reintroducing the captivating Renaissance artifacts that have left an indelible mark on Ferrara’s history.

With his boundless creativity, Mazza breathes life into plates, medallions, bowls, flasks, carafes, and other everyday objects, infusing them with a contemporary flair. These one-of-a-kind pieces naturally serve as exquisite souvenirs for those seeking something original to commemorate their Italian vacation!