Emilia Romagna has been a land of great artistic tradition for centuries, where ceramic work is one of the most fascinating symbols of the region’s cultural heritage. Master ceramists, with their skilled hands, transform clay into unique works of art, interweaving ancient craft techniques and modern creativity.
Cities such as Faenza, world-famous for its majolica, and Sassuolo, the centre of industrial ceramics, tell a story of ingenuity, passion and art that lives on in the region’s craft workshops and museums.

Faenza: the world capital of ceramics

Talking about ceramics in Emilia Romagna means starting with Faenza, a name that has become synonymous with excellence throughout the world. The tradition of Faenza majolica dates back to the Renaissance, when the city established itself as one of the most important centres for ceramic work in Europe.
Characteristics of Faenza majolica
Faenza majolica is prized for:
• Elaborate decorations, often inspired by geometric, floral and mythological motifs.
• Vivid colours, including blue, yellow and green, obtained through fine glazes.
• Refined techniques, handed down from generation to generation, make each piece a unique work.
Even today, Faenza is home to numerous craft workshops where master ceramists continue to create extraordinary works, blending tradition and innovation.

Sassuolo: the industrial ceramics hub

If Faenza represents traditional craftsmanship, Sassuolo, in the Modena area, is the symbol of industrial ceramics. Known as the ‘tile capital’, this city is the heart of the Italian ceramic district, famous for the production of high-quality wall and floor tiles.
Despite its industrial vocation, Sassuolo also boasts a tradition of craftsmanship: the area’s master ceramists experiment with modern techniques to create unique decorative pieces, keeping alive the link with the area’s artistic roots.

The techniques of master ceramists

The art of ceramics requires a combination of technical precision, experience and passion. The master potters of Emilia Romagna use traditional techniques dating back centuries, enriched with a personal touch that makes each creation unique.
Main techniques:
• Hand moulding: clay is modelled by hand or with the aid of a potter’s wheel, resulting in unique shapes.
• Brush decoration: the masters paint the details by hand, inspired by historical or natural motifs.
• Kiln firing: after decoration, the pieces are fired at high temperatures to fix colours and glazes, giving them lustre and strength.

Museums and places to visit

The ceramic tradition of Emilia Romagna is celebrated through museums and workshops open to the public, which offer the opportunity to discover the history and art of the master potters.
1. International Museum of Ceramics (Faenza)
The MIC is the world’s largest museum dedicated to ceramics. Its collection includes Renaissance works, contemporary ceramics and pieces from all over the world.
2. Museum of Ceramics (Sassuolo)
A museum that tells the story of industrial and artisan ceramics in Sassuolo, with a focus on innovative techniques and design.
3. Craft workshops open to the public
In Faenza and Sassuolo, many handicraft workshops welcome visitors, offering the possibility to watch the working of ceramics and even participate in workshops to create one’s own piece.