I’m a sucker for a good ceramics shop. I’ve written about it here and here on this blog. I’ve covered the topic for publications like Financial Times, Veranda and Bon Appetit. And I’ve even written an entire book about Italian ceramics: Deruta: A Tradition of Italian Ceramics.
And evidently I’m not alone in my obsession. In addition to ‘where to eat’ questions, I get a surprising number of ‘where to buy ceramics’ queries at least a few times a week. Because – besides eating – I also like to shop. And am very good at it, thank you very much. So good in fact that I’m about to launch two new apps: Shop Rome and Shop Florence. (stay tuned)
In the meantime, as I compile my lists, I thought I’d share one of my all time favorite ceramic shops with you. This is a shop I’ve been going to ever since I was a graduate student in Florence: Sbigoli. Although there may be fancier, more sophisticated and historic places to buy majolica in towns like Deruta, Faenza, Caltagirone and Vietri, I can’t think of a more charming workshop + store than Sbigoli.
While the streets of Florence used to be filled with small scale artigiani, working in the back and selling their wares up front, Sbigoli is one of the few that remain. Their bright and airy show room is located a few blocks from the Duomo and is filled with incredibly affordable, well made, timeless pieces.
The front of the shop is stacked with all sorts of old fashioned ‘sets’ of dishes that you can use to serve pizimonio (vegetables dipped in oil); macedonia (fruit salad) or antipasti plates. And I’ve also bought my fair share of heavy terra cotta pots used to make slowly cooked Tuscan beans.
The back of the store, which gets the most light, is devoted to their small workshop. A few women sit at benches, painting the delicate patterns onto vessels of every shape and size, before loading them in the kiln.
Sbigoli’s designs are all their own and feature small flowers, bunches of grapes, and unpretentious patterns that never seem to go out of style. Every time I go back to Florence, Sbigoli is one of my first stops. Even if I don’t really need anything (who ever buys ceramics from need, I ask you?) I always make a point of buying something. A mug for my mom, a small serving dish for someone’s birthday. Why? Because I’m petrified that the next time I arrive in Florence this little bit of history will have become yet another souvenir shop or fast food place. I figure every piece I buy helps preserve history. Right? 
Sbigoli
Via S. Egidio 4r, Florence
055.247.9713
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The pattern with the blue rim and the grapes? The bowls are really, really gorgeous. Just sayin’.
Knew Jodi would like those. I like the first foto with the yellow flowers…just saying
What mug??
What Jodi said.
These are stunning and I am in the market for ceramics. Maybe need to get to Florence soon. Thanks for the gorgeous photos.
Lovely, Elizabeth. When you have a moment, the link to your book is broken.
@Michelle Cervone: Thanks for the catch. All fixed now. 🙂
I’ve begun collecting ceramics from Deruta in recent years and love the colours and designs…I think I’m becoming addicted!
well I agree with Jody, just saying!
We visited the shop in 2007 and found a gorgeous serving dish but I was concerned about getting it home without breaking it and didn’t buy it. Once I returned to Long Beach I realized that I had made a terrible mistake and should have had it shipped to me. So, I emailed them about it and, luckily, they remembered us and the platter and even sent me a photo of it to be sure it was the right one. It was! I purchased it online and had it shipped. I use it often and display it the rest of the time. It is a delight.
I’ll be back in Florence in April and the store will be one of my first stops.
i couldn’t be more pleased that I read this blog before my trip to Florence this year. This shop is absolutely wonderful. I took Elizabeth’s advice and bought a few gifts for friends. I also bought a beautiful bowl and tile along with several smaller pieces for myself. The family is so gracious and helpful and so very kind. I enjoyed meeting the sisters and seeing where the pieces were created in the back! I had everything shipped and all pieces were in perfect condition when I received them. I would absolutely go back when I next travel to Florence. Many thanks to Elizabeth and Sbigoli!
Yay!!! So glad you made it there. It’s so important to support these small shops!!
I just visited this shop, per your recommendation, when my mom and I were in Florence last week. What a gem! Beautiful pieces and very affordable. I was looking for dinnerware, and found some lovely plates and bowls in a lemon pattern that I loved. The owner was so gracious and helped me customize the order to be exactly as I wanted it. Ultimately I ordered 8 plates and 8 bowls to be made in a different color scheme and in slightly different shapes than were available in the store. I can’t wait for them to arrive when I get home! Thank you for the recommendation!
I’m so happy you found it!!! We all have to do our part to keep these places alive and running!!!
So great to see your article ,
my partner and I randomly came across this shop on our morning walk to get fresh fruit,
when returning I ‘googled’ best ceramic shops and found your article- so delighted!! We will be going back to pick up a few beauties before we leave. Ciao!
Carter Harrington
~ Hort & Pott~
Thank you so much for writing about Florentine ceramics. I would love to know where maison mon amour plates and cups and coffee jars can be found. I loved this shop and the simple beauty of its products. Can you help !
Thank you Sarah
I’ve never heard of them, sorry!
I agree with every word! We’ve been going for years. Just arrived in Florence last night and it’s our first stop tomorrow. We can always use more of the little demi-tasse cups!