Nestled in the arid hills of Italy's Salento Peninsula between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, the tiny village of Grottaglie is known as the Puglia region's ceramics capital - capitale della ceramica. With over 50 bottega that line the charming, winding streets, Grottaglie boasts a host of pottery styles, shapes and glazes, many particular to the families that have been craftspeople in this region centuries. A stroll through town quickly reveals a dozen or so shops that contain the name, Fasano, a family that has been crafting ceramics for 18 generations.

These stunning urns and amphora were crafted by Francesco Fasano in his small workshop on a side street. On a recent trip to Puglia, searching for unusual glazes and forms, I came across Francesco's work with the help of my first cousin who has lived in the region for years. I was immediately attracted to the vibrant green, amber and cobalt colored glazes in ancient Roman and Greek forms. Working with Francesco to produce a small capsule collection for Reed Smythe & Company has been the greatest pleasure, and I am honored to bring these exquisite pieces to our customers and friends.