The Saint Francis Aedicule: detail of the Red Flags

Detail of the ceramics plaque of the Saint Francis Aedicule in Deruta

The red flag on the left carries the symbol of the Tower (the original coat of arms of the town of Deruta before the addition of the griphon) and the red flag on the right carries the symbol of the Vase with handles (still in use for advertising Deruta ceramics).

Red flag with the Tower

These details and colors are "bellissimo"! 

When I first visited the United States I thought that the refraction of  light was different than in Italy. All the colors seemed brighter to my eyes! I still think that this is the reason why Americans like striking colors for their ceramics. 

Indeed the most popular Deruta patterns in the United States are the so called "Geometric Patterns", which are very colorful. The history of the geometric patterns is very recent and finds its origin in the simple patterns painted by ceramics apprentists to learn the ceramics art since the Renaissance times. It is thanks to the talent of Mr. Franco Mari, artist in Deruta,  that the Geometric patterns were first launched in the United States market in new and rich original versions, which were immediately appealing to the public.

Red flag with the Vase

Nowadays contractors without scruples, ex Franco Mari workers and others are producing the original Franco Mari Geometric patterns. In the meantime Mari has gone a step forward and created new and more intricate patterns. But his first patterns are still the best sellers. At least the new producers could pay a royalty to Franco Mari but in Deruta the rule is "Mors tua, vita mea" (tr. your death is my life), therefore it is not necessary to go too far to find unfair competition, rather than in the fakes from abroad or in the decals (which serve completely different markets like chain stores, unreliable retailers or trap shops depending on the level of distortion).

The same destiny is now expecting the traditional Cama patterns. The Cama tracing papers are now being reproduced without the company's consent and I can tell you, this breaks your heart. Cama has been copied a lot but noone has ever dared to copy her tracing papers. This is why I am on Franco Mari's side. Patterns interpretations belong to their creators and for their artists they are priceless.

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Very delicate issue (double red flag!) but the point is:  how can we fight for a better world if we let business overcome  values? Saint Francis is a testimonial of the attitude of respect of  values as regards to business.