The exhibition “Grand Tour – Alla scoperta della ceramica classica italiana” organized by AiCC, Associazione Italiana Città della Ceramica, whose members are 34 municipalities “with an ancient tradition of pottery,” presents classic tableware typical of various Italian regions: hence the name “Grand Tour” to describe a series of forms and decorations from the ancient to the modern, for the consumption of foods and beverages, from 34 Italian towns.
While the term “Grand Tour” evokes the long voyages of formation of illustrious personalities, this “Grand Tour” takes us to the countless centers of ceramic production, from Apulia to the Veneto, Sicily to Sardinia, Liguria to Piedmont, Abruzzo to Romagna and Tuscany, where different decorative styles and color schemes have constructed a tradition over time that still relies on the hands and skills of fine artisans.
The exhibition invites viewers to the dining table of antiquity, the medieval banquet, a feast in a Renaissance court, all the way to Sunday dinner with the table services of our grandparents.
Crockery in buccaro, of Etruscan origin, large 16th-century vases and plates, crespine from Faenza, late Renaissance and Liberty pouring stoppers, folk bowls, medieval pitchers in the Orvieto style, soup tureens from Lodi with 19th-century decorations, Bassano table services in Rococo style, risers, centerpieces, anthropomorphic mugs of Baroque taste from Caltagirone, Umbrian goblets, plates from Deruta, specific containers for precious items like salt, oil, wine, tea.
The exhibition is curated by Jean Blanchaert, Viola Emaldi, Anty Pansera. Coordination by Giuseppe Olmeti. Biblioteca Umanistica di Santa Maria Incoronata, Corso Garibaldi 116 – Milan. Open to the public from 15 to 26 July 2015. Hours: every day from 12 to 22. Free of charge.
With the support of: Ministry of Cultural Assets and Activities and Tourism, Expo Milano 2015; City of Milan; Triennale Design Museum.
