Eagle Salad Plate 9", Contrade Dinnerware From Siena

Description

DESCRIPTION
Contrade Italian Dinnerware is available in all 17 District Designs and each design is available in eight different products. … more DESCRIPTION
Contrade Italian Dinnerware is available in all 17 District Designs and each design is available in eight different products. The Eagle (Aquila), for centuries has represented the "Rione dell'Aquila" during the Palio horse race. "Rione" stands for Neighborhood. The Contrade Italian Ceramics are handcrafted in Siena, Italy. Aquila is situated immediately to the south-west of the Piazza del Campo in the centre of the city, and is home to the duomo (cathedral). Traditionally, its residents were notaries. Their last victory was on July 3, 1992 (Andrea de Gortes 'Vinegar' on Galleggiante). They have had 24 official victories. Aquila's symbol is a double-headed black eagle holding an orb, a sword, and a sceptre. Its colours are yellow, trimmed with blue and black. Aquila is one of only four nobile (noble) contrade; its title was bestowed by the Habsburg emperor Charles V, out of gratitude for the warm reception he received there in 1536. The contrada's museum is home to the oldest surviving Palio di Siena banner (also called a palio), which dates from 1719. Aquila's patron saint is La Vergine (the name of the Most Holy Maria). Her titulary festival is celebrated on 8 September. They are allied to the Civetta (Owl) and Drago (Dragon) contrade. They are opposed to the Pantera (Panther) contrada, since 1947. Build your kitchen set today with this Eagle Salad Plate.

ARTISAN STORY
During the Renaissance, Italian cities were partitioned into districts or neighborhoods called Contrade to supply troops to the military. Today, the most celebrated Contrade are of Siena, where 17 Contrade, each represented by a symbol or animal, compete in the Piazza del Campo for pride and the glory of winning in a biannual horse race called the Palio di Siena, which dates back to 1656.
In 1986, Walter Staccioli began producing ceramic pieces incorporating the Contrade patterns of Siena. Today, based upon each Contrada’s individual flag that festoons rider and horse in events surrounding the Palio di Siena, Sonia Staccioli and her sister Jada carry on the traditions. These works of art can only be found exclusively at Biordi and the Staccioli workshop at the Piazza del Campo in Siena. less