The
Merchant of Prato is your direct source for Wholesale
Italian Ceramics & Italian Alabaster Imported
Directly from Italy.
Our Italian ceramics and pottery collection is
imported from Deruta, Umbria and Sicily, Italy. The
Italian ceramics we import are Majolica. Many of the
designs we feature date back hundreds of years and
many patterns are derived from Renaissance art. Each
piece of Italian pottery is handmade and painstakingly
hand-painted, thus each piece of our Italian pottery
is unique.
We have direct connections with artists in Volterra,
Italy who create amazing, realistic alabaster stone
fruit and alabaster eggs. Each piece of fruit is hand
decorated making each piece a unique work of art.
We facilitate the handling of your order from Italy
freeing you from the issues of the language barrier in
dealing with Italian companies, importing your
products into the United States, shipping and
duty.
Handcrafted
Works of Art
Because each item is individually handcrafted, the
sizes, shapes and colors may vary slightly. With
repeated use, Majolica (Italian ceramics) have a
tendency to “craze” or form miniscule lines within
the glazing. This has no effect on the durability of
the item.
Errors
and Omissions Policy
Merchant of Prato, Inc. reserves the right to change
prices, terms, specifications and warranties without
notice. We endeavor to accurately describe every
product offered for sale; however, mistakes can
sometimes be made. Any typographical, photographic, or
specification error in product description, pricing or
offers is subject to correction and verification.
Use and Care of Products
All Dinnerware, Serving ware, and Kitchenware are 100%
food safe in compliance with FDA standards and U.S.A.
import regulations for lead and cadium.
Large decorative pieces and not meant to have contact
with food unless otherwise specified.
We do not recommend washing your Majolica pottery in
the dishwasher, but we recommend hand washing.
Majolica should not be used in the microwave or
conventional oven, unless otherwise specified. Putting
them in the oven/microwave will heat up the ceramic
and heighten the possibility of cracking or chipping.
With repeated use, majolica has a tendency to
“craze” (form tiny lines in the glaze). This has
no effect on the durability of the item. However,
there are ways to minimize crazing and to help keep
your ceramics looking beautiful. Here are some tips:
-
Avoid
sudden temperature changes. You can run dishes
under warm tap water before serving very hot foods
or liquids. You can also place a metal spoon in
your ceramic mug or teapot when pouring in hot
liquid. The metal will absorb the heat and thus
protect against crazing or cracking.
-
Avoid
using scouring powders or harsh scourers as they
can damage the glaze. For east clean up, let item
soak with warm soapy water for a few minutes then
wash with cloth, sponge, or plastic scrubber.
-
Remove
tea or coffee stains in cups with a solution of 2
tablespoons chlorine bleach per quart of water.
Soak for 1-2 minutes and rinse promptly.
-
Black
marks left by tarnished cutlery can be removed
from pottery with a good quality, non abrasive
metal cleaner.
With a
little extra care, your majolica will remain strong
and beautiful for a very long time.
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