Palaces & Monuments
Antica Fornacetta
ASCIANO
LISTEN THE AUDIO GUIDE
One of the many little kilns was recently found by accident in the neighborhood of Cocciaio and Copperia. The essential importance of the discovery is the condition of the kiln and the surrounding workplace, which remained virtually intact for about two centuries. The features of this important ceramic quarter within the town have allowed for a detailed study of the manufacturing techniques and materials.
The history of local ceramic production is documented from the fifteenth century to the early twentieth century. The most important and productive period of this activity, however, is circumscribed between the 15th and the 18th century and is witnessed by some of the most valuable museum artefacts:
- a 16th-century mossy bucket, kept at the British Museum in London;
- a plate with floral decorations and golden edging of 1578, signed by one of the most important local ceramic households: Filigelli;
- A devotional plate dedicated to St. Lawrence and kept at the National Museum of Ceramics in Faenza.
Another important family of ceramists was represented by Francini, specializing in devotional newsagents and Vie Crucis for churches. One example of great value is the Via Crucis that Francis Francini made in 1790 for the Collegiate of Sant'Agata, still visible today inside.
UNA FORNACE MEDIEVALE AD ASCIANO, di Gianni Maccherini
One of the many little kilns was recently found by accident in the neighborhood of Cocciaio and Copperia. The essential importance of the discovery is the condition of the kiln and the surrounding workplace, which remained virtually intact for about two centuries. The features of this important ceramic quarter within the town have allowed for a detailed study of the manufacturing techniques and materials.
The history of local ceramic production is documented from the fifteenth century to the early twentieth century. The most important and productive period of this activity, however, is circumscribed between the 15th and the 18th century and is witnessed by some of the most valuable museum artefacts:
- a 16th-century mossy bucket, kept at the British Museum in London;
- a plate with floral decorations and golden edging of 1578, signed by one of the most important local ceramic households: Filigelli;
- A devotional plate dedicated to St. Lawrence and kept at the National Museum of Ceramics in Faenza.
Another important family of ceramists was represented by Francini, specializing in devotional newsagents and Vie Crucis for churches. One example of great value is the Via Crucis that Francis Francini made in 1790 for the Collegiate of Sant'Agata, still visible today inside.
UNA FORNACE MEDIEVALE AD ASCIANO, di Gianni Maccherini