The use of terracotta, from objects destined for domestic use to those used in industry and construction has ancient origins. The production of these objects has, over the length of time, involved nearly all areas and centres of Umbria.

Nowadays the production of glazed terracotta has survived with some consistency, albeit only for ornamental purposes, in Ripabianca near Deruta and in Ficulle.

Ripabianca sits right at the centre of a vast area which is characterized by a particular ceramic vocation which had spread throughout the centres of the Tiber Valley since ancient times and which still finds continuity today in the evident cases of Deruta for its Majolica and Marsciano for its laterite bricks.

The Agreement Programme drawn up between Regione Umbria, Comune of Deruta and A.i.c.s., Umbria Regional Committee, has coordinated the various steps which have been taken in order to evaluate Ripabianca’s historical terracotta heritage.

Ada Girolamini
Regional Councillor
Economic Development

Even today the production of Ripabianca’s objects is still done manually and in accordance with the techniques as described by Cipriano Piccolpasso during the second half of the 16th Century.

All this makes the craft-ware of our territory very unique amongst the vast and variegated panorama of terracotta.

This project will provide local producers a competitive advantage in the market and will guarantee the purchaser an article of indisputable artistic and handcrafted value.

The typicality of the production of terracotta in this part of Umbria will be an ulterior chance to promote its tourism in the travel and cultural circuits.

Marco Martini
Councillor for Arts and Crafts
Comune of Deruta