Deruta historical sites: the majolica portal of the "Società Maioliche Deruta"

                        
                         

SUMPTUOUS  ENTRANCE TO THE WORLD OF MAJOLICA

The "Società Maioliche Deruta" was originally located downtown Deruta, where the factory started its ceramics production in 1904. We can still admire the company's main entrance in one of the boroughs surrounding the town's piazza. The ceramics portal is magnificent. It is paved by square ceramics tiles carrying the city Perugia & Deruta coat of arms on both sides. 

On the portal's top,  a plate with the portrait of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, patron saint of ceramicists. Along with it the latin word "Prudentia" (tr.Prudence). 

The name "Società Anonima Maioliche" (tr."Anonymous Company Majolicas") stands out in the lintel/architrave's center, under St.Catherine's protection. This name was the company's trading name. The original full name of the company was "Società Cooperativa per la Fabbricazione delle Maioliche" (tr."Cooperative company for the majolica production"). 

                                                                                
CITY COAT OF ARMS: PERUGIA & DERUTA

A detail of the ceramics tiles with the
city coat of arms of Perugia and Deruta

The coat of arms of the city of Perugia is represented by a rampant  griphon. The coat of arms of  Deruta contains the following  elements: the tower, a rampant griphon (an homage of Perugia to the  castle of Deruta). On top of the tower the herb called "Ruta" (rue). This plant grows on the antique walls of Deruta and gives the name to the town itself, according to a disregarded theory.

Majolica handpainted tiles were a best seller of the company "Società Maioliche Deruta" for many decades. Historically the Deruta ceramic tiles tradition  goes back to the 15th and 16th century.

              
UNDER SAINT CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA'S BLESSING

The factory's ceramic portal is pervaded by raised acanthus leaves which are a Deruta classical element, in particular in the historical "Ricco Deruta" pattern and its variations.

The portal won an important prize, the Gold Medal at the Faenza International Exhibition of 1908.

Nowadays the majolica portal and the trading name "Società Anonima Majoliche" belong  to a private owner. The ancient factory has been trasformed into private apartments.

A detail of the portal with the portrait of Saint Catherine
on a plate set like a gem in the ceramics wreath.

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posted by Roberta Niccacci

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