- BY ISSIMO
- August 10, 2023
ISSIMO LOVES: Ceramiche Mennella
Discover the centuries-old craft of Ischia’s older ceramic workshop
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Campania and the enchanting south of Italy, a tradition as old as time itself thrives – the art of ceramics.
These exquisite pieces, born from the earth and shaped by the hands of skilled artisans, embody the region’s rich history, vibrant culture, and timeless beauty. One shining star in this realm? The illustrious Ceramiche Mennella, in Ischia.
A family-run business, the venture has been around for some 500 years – you’re reading that right – making it one of the oldest ceramic workshops on the island and Italy at large.
Today, Mennella is synonymous with craftsmanship and artistic brilliance, and a reference point in the world of ceramics, thanks to skills that have been handed down from generation to generation.
“Ischia was the first Greek colony in the Mediterranean Sea,” explains Giuseppe Mennella, who today runs the time-honoured company. “They came across cave clays on the island and started to work on. In 1505, our family joined in that specific tradition, first making things for the home – vases, buckets, even bricks used for construction purposes – then shifting towards more creative pieces. We’ve continued doing it ever since.”
Indeed, stepping into the world of Ceramiche Mennella is akin to embarking on a journey through time. Their creations seamlessly blend tradition with innovation, carrying forward age-old techniques while infusing them with a contemporary flair.
“The artisans at Ceramiche Mennella have mastered the dance between honouring heritage and embracing modernity, resulting in pieces that are as relevant today as they were in yesteryears,” says Giuseppe. “I think that’s why we’ve managed to thrive. I like to think that what we make is timeless.”
“The artisans at Ceramiche Mennella have mastered the dance between honouring heritage and embracing modernity, resulting in pieces that are as relevant today as they were in yesteryears,” says Giuseppe. “I think that’s why we’ve managed to thrive. I like to think that what we make is timeless.”
“The artisans at Ceramiche Mennella have mastered the dance between honouring heritage and embracing modernity, resulting in pieces that are as relevant today as they were in yesteryears,” says Giuseppe. “I think that’s why we’ve managed to thrive. I like to think that what we make is timeless.”
Campanian ceramics
As an art form in Italy and Campania in particular, ceramics have roots that trace back through the annals of history.
The craft has in fact been around in the region since Greek and Roman times, although it was in the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods that Campania’s ceramics began to truly flourish, with skilled artisans transforming clay into intricate patterns, ornate designs, and functional pieces that ranged from everyday objects to elaborate decorations.
Production was especially rich on the Amalfi Coast (and, given its proximity, Ischia), where local craftsmen had already been using the clay and volcanic material of the area to make pottery for thousands of years. Here, Positano, Amalfi and Vietri sul mare all became key players in the making of ceramics, turning their creations into serious works of art.
But it was majolica, the handcrafted ceramics developed by Neapolitan masters in the 14th century, that really became synonymous with the region’s ceramic tradition. The colourful, lavishly decorated objects were collected by kings and nobles and, as techniques and styles evolved, they gave birth to a distinctive Campanian aesthetic.
As centuries unfolded, the legacy of ceramics in Campania remained unbroken. Each piece bore the marks of the past, encapsulating the history and spirit of the region. From decorative tiles adorning churches to functional kitchenware used in homes, ceramics became an integral part of daily life, a tangible link between the past and the present.
Today, the tradition of ceramics in Campania continues to thrive, with a renewed appreciation for its historical significance and artistic value. Artisans carry forward age-old techniques, paying homage to the ancestors who first moulded clay into exquisite forms. The vibrancy of majolica still graces the interiors of homes and businesses, its patterns telling stories of Campania’s journey through time.
“All our designs reflect our heritage and the scenery that surrounds us,” Giuseppe says. “There are classic pieces, like our pigne (pinecones typical of the south of Italy), and more whimsical items, like plates inspired by the Mediterranean atmosphere, its food, its vibes.”
“All our designs reflect our heritage and the scenery that surrounds us,” Giuseppe says. “There are classic pieces, like our pigne (pinecones typical of the south of Italy), and more whimsical items, like plates inspired by the Mediterranean atmosphere, its food, its vibes.”
A testament to artistry
Ceramiche Mennella is a quintessential representation of this tradition. As you peruse their collection in Casamicciola, where they’re based in Ischia, a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns dances before your eyes. Each piece, rigorously made by hand, is a testament to the meticulous artistry and the soulful connection to the land, and a joy to hold.
It’s as if the ceramics themselves capture the very essence of Campania – the warmth of the sun, the whispers of the sea, and the echoes of ancient tales.
Production was especially rich on the Amalfi Coast (and, given its proximity, Ischia), where local craftsmen had already been using the clay and volcanic material of the area to make pottery for thousands of years. Here, Positano, Amalfi and Vietri sul mare all became key players in the making of ceramics, turning their creations into serious works of art.
But it was majolica, the handcrafted ceramics developed by Neapolitan masters in the 14th century, that really became synonymous with the region’s ceramic tradition. The colourful, lavishly decorated objects were collected by kings and nobles and, as techniques and styles evolved, they gave birth to a distinctive Campanian aesthetic.
