Auction of Caltagirone Ceramics

Icons of Sicily, ceramic works stand as the proud emblem of the island’s craft heritage. Sicilian ceramics have become a world-renowned excellence.

Following the catastrophic earthquake of 1693, which devastated numerous kilns in the Calatino region, a pivotal moment emerged for ceramics. This marked a significant shift in the industry, steering it in a direction markedly different from the pre-earthquake era and the learned, refined productions that had defined the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.

In Caltagirone, the focus turned to reconstruction and essential needs, leading ceramics to evolve in response to functional requirements. As a result, their form became more popular in nature, although never entirely abandoning the apothecary tradition.

This period saw the birth of such items as *quartare*, *bummuli*, *cannate*, *colapasta*, and other domestic utensils.

The rise of industrial production from rival majolica manufactories, particularly in Naples, influenced the Calatino output.

The works from this period, now on display, reveal a remarkable synthesis of earlier decorative elements, yet with a decidedly more popular aesthetic—a characteristic that would define the art of Sicilian ceramics well into the 20th century.

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