Artist or Artisan

Daniela Lai has been working with ceramics for more than thirty years. Born and raised in Viterbo, she returned there to open her own studio and gallery after studying ceramics at The University of Civita Castellana. She specializes in the traditional and uniquely Italian ceramic art of Zaffera. Zaffera which is characterized by its distinct blue decoration painted in relief. This technique dates to the fourteenth century, and is deeply rooted in the history of Viterbo itself. 

In the thirteenth century Viterbo was the perhaps first city to have a place dedicated to the art of ceramics, according to Daniela. Everything having to do with Italian ceramics, from the general shape of pieces all the way down to the tiniest detail, was codified in Viterbo. Viterbin ceramics were so proud of their work that artists who produced work not following the set guidelines risked facing a high fine. Things like the width of a plate’s edge, or the exact curve of a handle, or the location of the opening on a water pot, all were defined in Viterbo. 

The obsession with the blue decorations came later, towards the end of the fourteenth century. As trade opened in Italy new goods from other parts of the world began to make their way to Viterbo. The blue paint is made from cobalt gems which were sold by Chinese merchants in the large markets inside the city’s walls. The paint is a pale, almost lavender hue at the start. However, after being fired it transforms into the deep rich blue that defines Zaffera. These ceramic pieces became very popular in the homes of nobility and those who could afford them. But they were not just as decoration, they were used regularly in the home. 

The pieces Daniela makes now, however,  are more for show. Her beautifully intricate designs are mesmerizing and her genuine love for the art shines through her work. With her vast understanding of the history of ceramics she works to create her work in the same way they were made traditionally, re-creating the same designs and patterns. She explains what makes her love ceramics, “I am fascinated by the art of transforming material. I wanted to understand how you can take earth from the ground and create art.”

Many of the designs in her shop depict ancient symbols. The fish symbolizes prosperity, the bird peace, the oak leaf pattern is a symbol for strength, and so on. However, Daniela is still an artist with her own creative visions. Looking around her shop you will notice a cat painted cheerfully on a plate here and there. But the cat has no connection to the fourteenth century Zaffera. Rather the cat represents her personal touch on the ancient art form. I am glad they no longer fine artists for not following the strict rules of ceramics, because the cat pieces are some of my favorites in the shop.