The Ceramics of Gubbio

In Gubbio, traces of a ceramic tradition date back to the Neolithic area (6^th-5^th millennium BC) and span all historical periods to reach maximum splendour in Roman times. In the Middle Ages, ceramic production saw a period of intense development starting from the mid-15^th century. In that period, Gubbio welcomed numerous foreign masters from major centres nearby (Siena, Norcia, Borgo Sansepolcro, Teramo, etc.) who joined the local potters, creating fertile ground for fruitful artistic sharing and cross-contamination. One of the results of this cultural exchange is ​​represented by the red, silvery and golden lustre obtained in the third firing in the technique developed by one of the most important Renaissance ceramists, Cipriano Piccolpasso. After this period of greatness, interest in Gubbio ceramics suffered a minor decline but reclaimed the centre of attention in the mid-19^th century, when the technique of ‘lustreware’ was rediscovered and developed, adapting it to modern factories and new production demands. You can trace the history of this important tradition through beautiful collections like the 17^th-century workshop of Mastro Giorgio Andreoli or the red pharmaceutical earthenware pots at the Museo Civico di Palazzo dei Consoli, located in the centre of the city.