Vietri ceramics are so exclusive and in demand that, unfortunately, there are many examples of forgeries and copies of the real thing. While Vietri is not the only place in Italy to produce ceramics they do manufacture a type made famous due to its style and quality. The only way to make sure you’re getting the real thing is to buy la ceramica di Vietri, and know what you’re looking for when you do.
Here are some things to look for to ensure you don’t get deceived by a copy:
Place of Production
The real ceramica di Vietri is only produced in a very restricted area that includes all the territory belonging to the town of Vietri. All Vietri ceramic is exclusively made in workshops, le botteghe dell’arte, and ceramic factories situated within the boundaries of the town of Vietri. To ensure that the manufacturer you are buying from follows the proper procedure when producing the ceramic they should also be registered in the “Registro dei produttori di ceramica artistica e tradizionale di Vietri” or the Register of Artistic and Traditional Vietri Ceramic Producers.
Also, factories producing Vietri ceramic must have not only their registered office in Vietri, but also their branch of production; therefore, the ceramic production must take place in Vietri.
Labelling
The easiest way to tell a piece of Vietri ceramic from a piece from another place is Vietri’s unique trademark. This trademark consists of a general graphic description approved by the Consiglio Nazionale Ceramico (National Ceramic Council.) The trademark implies the compliance with the following essential elements:
-The writing of the legal trade name “Ceramica Artistica e Tradizionale“, Artistic and Traditional Ceramics, which can even be written in its acronym (CAT);
-the identification of Vietri as the area of production;
-each manufacturer must include information necessary for their identification, such as name, the acronym and the trademark, which must be registered in the Registro della Commissione Provinciale per l’Artigianato or the Registry of the Provincial Craftsmanship Commission, and the Comitato Disciplinare (Disciplinary Committee).
-the materials used must be defined in conformity with UNI regulations;
-in each manufactured product the name of the manufacturer should be outlined;
-the objects produced to contain food, or those which come in contact with food, must be in conformity with the requirements and regulations for these types of products.
Look for the markings above and keep your eye open for these requirements to make sure that what you are being sold is indeed real Ceramica di Vietri, and not a copy that pales in comparison.
