Roberto Bonechi imports works from five factories across Tuscany, including three factories in Montelupo Fiorentino. The enormous diversity of styles that we have collected, from the beautiful traditional to the gloriously exuberant contemporary, reveals the richness of the ceramic tradition throughout the area.

Here in Tuscany, as in Deruta, the majolica of the early fourteenth century (often referred to as mezza majolica as it was fired only once) was green copper and manganese purply black on a creamy white ground. Toward the end of the fourteenth century, however, artisans began creating highly popular portraits on jugs and on plates, probably influenced by the importation of earthenware from Spain. The tradition still continues in portraits painted on plates or jars.

Under the patronage of the Medici in Florence during the mid-15th century, the kilns of Montelupo flourished, filling a demand for luxury products. 'Foglio di Montelupo' (Leaf of Montelupo) emerges from this time period.

Throughout the centuries, many patterns have been added and then changed to suit the tastes of the time; so that the work remains vital and exciting today. We hope that you will enjoy the amazing variety as much as we do.