The artisan workshop began with the strong passion of Pietro Rampini (1922-1997), a very talented person with the gift for drawing and  decoration  who, having terminated his classical studies in Gubbio and Florence, decided to start to work as a handicraftsman.

At first he collaborated with several ceramic workshops in Gubbio, then emigrating with Rita, his future wife and his principle collaborator, from Gubbio to Brazil.

Pietro (35 years old) in his stand in Brasil

There he began the activity of “artist-ceramicist” obtaining a flattering success: his sphere of work was ceramics (chiefly he proposed works obtained using the technique of Etruscan “Bucchero”), but also interior décor and furnishing.
In 1962 due to the unsatisfactory economic conditions of Brazil and the lack of stimuli, they came back to their home town, Gubbio; there, filled with enthusiasm they opened their “bottega d’arte” (art workshop).

At first they were interested not only in the ceramics but also in the embossed copper, mosaics, and  objects for furnishing which were realized thanks to the use of any material that could stimulate the bright imagination and creativity of Pietro. The main themes represented in his works were: Gubbio and its history,  medieval miniatures, classical mythology, nature and Umbrian saints.

In the 1970’s their son Giampietro, who had lived among brushes, clay and kilns since his childhood, came to the workshop and he succumbed to the fascination of his father’s work...

  Giampietro (3 years old) in Brasil

...in fact in a short time he decided, with his wife Rossana who was also his collaborator, to devote themselves entirely to the ceramics.

In this period  Pietro shared an important experience with another skilful and expert Eugubian handicraftsman Sante Capannelli. Together  they found the “Mastri Vasai”.

In the new workshop they developed the old style reproductions of  ceramics with particular reference to the period between the XIII and XIV century; moreover they realized, even though only few pieces, lustred majolica according to the traditions of Mastro Giorgio.

   Pietro's Lusters