Oh Hey,

Well, today, I’m going to tell you about the ceramics of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

The earliest evidence of ceramic production along the Amalfi Coast dates back around 8,000 years to the Neolithic period. Primitive terracotta bowls were discovered in the 1950s in a cave near the gates of Positano, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s ancient tradition of ceramics.

The tradition of Italian ceramics has deep roots. Beautiful pieces such as pottery, decorative objects, and majolica tiles can be traced back to the 5th century BC, when the Etruscans were already working with clay.

Evidence of this ancient trade was found in the remains of a ship discovered off the coast of Panarea, where pottery, ceramics, tiles, and jugs were among the goods being transported and traded.

This tradition continued through the centuries. During the Middle Ages, pottery workshops and kilns were active in Amalfi, producing dishes, pitchers, and bowls made from white clay. Many of these pieces were even exported, helping ceramics become an important part of the region’s history and culture.

By the 18th century, ceramic production in the Amalfi Coast had developed its own distinctive character. Like nearby Naples and Vietri, the region was known for its beautiful riggiole traditional decorative tiles.

What made them special was their softer, more delicate colour palette, with shades of turquoise, muted green, and mustard yellow. During this period, Amalfi ceramics gradually moved away from traditional Neapolitan styles, developing their own shapes, colours, and identity. The delicate turquoise tones became one of their most recognisable features.

Amalfi ceramic shop

Amalfi ceramics shop

By the 19th century, ceramics along the Sorrento and Amalfi Coasts had developed a wonderfully distinctive style. Artisans began creating playful, almost naive-inspired designs using bright, sunny colours that reflected their creativity, warmth, and spontaneity. That cheerful character is still part of the region’s ceramics today.

Art has always been an important part of life along the Sorrento and Amalfi Coasts. Their ceramic tradition has been passed down through generations, with artisans continuing to use time-honoured techniques to create colourful, handcrafted pieces. From the refined ceramics of Vietri to the distinctive pottery of Sorrento and Amalfi, each piece carries a little of the character, colour, and spirit of this beautiful part of Italy.

Shops on the road through Amalfi and Positano

The colours of the Amalfi Coast come to life in beautifully handmade ceramics, decorated with figures and motifs inspired by the culture, traditions, and everyday life of the Mediterranean. Each piece captures the warmth, colours, and unmistakable spirit of this beautiful region of Italy.

Sorrento shops Via San Cesareo

Sorrento shops Via San Cesareo

I fell in love with them the moment I saw them. Their beautiful colours make me feel happy and bring such positive energy. I found these wonderful pieces here in Sorrento, where the colours and creativity of the Amalfi Coast truly come to life. Clickhere:  Ceramica Sorrentina workshop.

Pictures from my archive

All the tableware is handmade by Ceramica Sorrentina, right here in Sorrento, at Via San Liborio in Piano di Sorrento. 🇮🇹

Take a look at their website they have so many beautiful pieces, and they also offer international shipping. http://ceramicasorrentina.it

A beautiful tabletop that my mil Giovanna, bought from Ceramica Sorrentina. The top is made from lava stone dust and hand-painted into a truly beautiful piece of art.

XOXO

From Sorrento with Love