Cottura was founded in 1985, and offers the largest collection of Renaissance inspired hand painted Italian ceramic art available in the United States. "Cottura," the Italian verb meaning to bake or fire, offers a type of pottery called maiolica. Maiolica is a twice-fired earthenware made of a very fine, extremely durable, type of red clay from the Mediterranean. Most of the painted designs of maiolica have their origins in classic art forms and decorative arts dating back to the Renaissance. Cottura works with small pottery-making families and villages that have passed down this ceramic tradition from generation to generation.

Cottura works with over 40 factories in Italy and painstakingly selects just the right patterns and shapes to ensure that each piece becomes an instant heirloom. Choose from over 30 patterns of dinnerware and accessories, along with beautiful lines for the home and garden.


Each piece of maiolica offered by Cottura will vary slightly from another, as they are hand-formed on a potter's wheel and then painted by hand - true hallmarks of the artisans who create the pieces with great care and ability: The perfection of imperfection. The shape, design and color can vary slightly, as the pressure of the potter's hand or the flick of the painter's wrist may vary. Evidence of handcrafted work includes slight color and size variations, paint smudges, an occasional fingerprint, and looseness of lids. Of course, if the eating or front surface of a product is chipped or unglazed, we will be happy to replace it. At Cottura, we proudly guarantee all of our products for your use and enjoyment!

People Magazine - Bridal Registry to the Stars
Bon Appetit Magazine - Best Dinnerware Design
Catalog Age Magazine - Silver Award for Best Catalog 1997/1998/1999/2001
Gifts and Decorative Accessories - Silver Award for Store Design/Caesars Palace 1999

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