Vietri Ceramics

Vietrese Ceramics tell the story of their land of origin, kissed by the sea and the sun.

The Amalfi Coast is that stretch of the Gulf of Salerno where the mountains plunge into the Mediterranean, famous throughout the world for its landscape value. The seaside villages that arise between Positano and Vietri are dotted with laboratories and workshops, where master ceramists have been working for generations. The domes of the churches shine with colored majolica. The narrow streets and steps that climb the terraces are embellished with decorations in yellow, blue and manganese. Ceramics are an integral part of the geography.

In a certain sense it is a circle that closes, because it is precisely for geographical merits that the tradition has evolved to the point of influencing the territory, in particular in Vietri sul Mare. The hills behind, which over the centuries have been covered with citrus trees, offered the workshops chestnut and holm oak wood. The Bonea torrent, descending from the Lattari mountains, allowed the mills to be powered to work the clay and grind the colors. The proximity to the beach created a direct relationship between production and trade. The strategic position in trade with the East brought Greek and Byzantine stylistic influences.

From the invention of the oven to our Renaissance, the art equipment has not changed much. The process involves shaping the clay on the wheel, a first firing, then enameling. Once dry, the object is decorated by hand, then fired a second time to fix and brighten the colors.

It is not easy to precisely date the birth of this centuries-old tradition. The history of Vietri passes through an Etruscan foundation, a Roman expansion, a Middle Ages in which it enriched Salerno. Towards the end of the 15th century, the opening of many workshops is documented. In the 16th century there was a qualitative leap, probably due to Abruzzo and Irpinia workers, characterized by religious iconography. In the 18th century, the geometric and naturalistic forms of the riggiole developed, while the following period saw a decline in the market.

Between the world wars, between the 20s and 40s, the so-called German period: foreign artists settled on the coast, especially Jews fleeing from Germany, who revitalized ceramics with local artisans by introducing new styles and themes. Among the most significant names are Richard Dölker, who created the iconic ciucciariello, Irene Kowaliska and the Italian Guido Gambone.

The world represented is colorful. The abstract, balanced and elegant graphics. The floral and faunal motifs. The harmonious compositions of the seascapes. Glimpses of daily life, solitary wayfarers, fishermen. The archaic and pastoral world. The pirate atmospheres, the Homeric myths and the fables of Aesop. Metaphors and symbols, but also simple suggestions.

Tiles, bricks, roof tiles, vases, jugs, lamps, containers, jars, bowls, dishes, lancets, saucers, salt cellars, kitchen and household utensils. Any support and motif can be commissioned. The imprint of the hand-worked Vietri is unmistakable. Each ceramic is an unrepeatable piece.

 

"The voice of the ports is made of wind and salt. Words of the sea carried between calms and legends."
Roberto Gianani