Glazed in Heritage: Francesco De Maio and the Soul of Vietri Ceramics

Founded in 1963, Francesco De Maio established his ceramic workshop with a mission to preserve and celebrate the artistic heritage of Vietri sul Mare, a picturesque town on the Amalfi Coast renowned for its ceramic tradition. His craftsmanship, especially in creating riggiole—the hand-painted tiles once used to adorn church floors and noble residences—is widely acclaimed. Today, De Maio continues to reinterpret his family’s legacy, designing collections that blend classical motifs with contemporary tastes. Each tile is meticulously handmade and finished with traditional enamels, lending every piece a distinctive, timeless character.

Francesco De Maio is synonymous with Italian ceramic tradition. How are your creations connected to the ancient craftsmanship of the Amalfi Coast?

Francesco De Maio blends centuries-old Vietri ceramic traditions with contemporary innovation. Every tile is handcrafted, using time-honored techniques passed down since 1494. From clay shaping to glazing and decorating, skilled artisans create unique pieces that reflect the soul of the Amalfi Coast.

This craftsmanship is not just a production method—it’s a cultural legacy. In a world dominated by industrialization, handmade ceramics offer authenticity, tactile beauty, and artistic value that machines can’t replicate. Supporting these traditions also sustains the local economy and protects an essential part of Italian heritage.

Your collections are known for vibrant colors and traditional patterns. What inspires the design process?

Our creative process is a fusion of history and innovation. It begins with studying classic Vietri motifs—geometric, floral, marine—and reinterpreting them for today’s aesthetics. Designers collaborate closely with master decorators to blend archival inspiration with modern trends. Each piece reflects a deep respect for tradition while introducing fresh color combinations and stylistic updates.

Behind every collection is a story that connects the art to the Amalfi Coast, celebrating both the past and the present of Vietri ceramics.

The Van Gogh Collection pays tribute to the Dutch artist’s iconic style. How do you merge his themes with your handcrafted ceramics?

The Van Gogh Collection, created with the Van Gogh Museum, is a meeting of two worlds: Van Gogh’s art and Vietri ceramic mastery. Inspired by works like Almond Blossom and Sunflowers, we transformed his expressive brushstrokes and vivid colors into hand-painted tiles. Each piece stays true to Vietri traditions while honoring Van Gogh’s essence. Instead of simple reproductions, the collection reinterprets his themes to create continuous patterns and stylized visuals, treating ceramic surfaces as canvas. The result is a unique artistic tribute, blending heritage with the emotional power of Van Gogh’s work.

The Blu Ponti collection earned the prestigious Compasso d’Oro award. What does this recognition mean to you?

Winning the 2024 Compasso d’Oro is a profound honor and a testament to our commitment to craftsmanship. This award celebrates the lasting impact of Blu Ponti, a collection designed by Gio Ponti in the 1960s for the Parco dei Principi Hotel in Sorrento. Its timeless blue and white motifs reflect the sea and sky, embodying the spirit of Vietri ceramics. Still made by hand using original designs and materials—now enhanced with innovative Grès Maiolicato®—the collection proves that tradition and innovation can coexist beautifully. This recognition fuels our passion to preserve and evolve Italy’s artistic legacy.