DESCRIPTION
The Contrade Silkworm Design Espresso Cup and Saucer, is handmade, painted and imported from Italy. During the Renaissance, Italian cities were partitioned into districts or neighborhoods called Contrade to supply troops to the military. Today, the most celebrated Contrade are of Siena, where 17 Contrade, each represented by a symbol or animal, compete in the Piazza del Campo for pride and the glory of winning in a biannual horse race called the Palio di Siena, which dates back to 1656.
Contrade Italian Espresso Cups and Saucers are available in all 17 District Designs. The Silkworm (Bruco), for centuries has represented the "Rione del Bruco" during the Palio horse race. "Rione" stands for Neighborhood. The Contrade Italian Ceramics are handcrafted in Siena, Italy.
Bruco is situated to the north of the Piazza del Campo. Traditionally, its residents worked in the silk trade.
Bruco's symbol is a crowned caterpillar crawling on a rose. Its colours are green and yellow, trimmed with blue.
Bruco is one of the four noble contrade; its title was earned in 1369 by its people's bravery in helping to defeat Charles IV, and consolidated in 1371 when they led the revolt to replace the Sienese council with a people's government.
Its Sede is at Via del Comune, 44.
Its patron Saint is the Madonna (Visitation of the Sainted Mary), and the Titulary feast is on 2 July.
Its motto is "Come rivoluzion sona il mio nome" (As revolution sounds my name).
It is allied to the Istrice, Nicchio and Torre contrade not officially opposed to any other contrade. Its traditional animosity against neighbouring Giraffa ended, formally, in 1996.
Last victory - 16 August 2008. It has had 37 official victories.
ARTISAN STORY
Santa Caterina Siena 24kt Espresso Cups & Saucers
Ceramiche S. Caterina, established in 1949 in Siena, has a rich legacy in ceramics. Founded by Marcello Neri, who took ownership in 1961, the studio has become a hallmark of quality craftsmanship, blending traditional techniques with contemporary artistry. Marcello, a Siena native and graduate of the Institute of Art, honed his skills under Fausto Corsini and further developed his craft in Montelupo Fiorentino. Fabio, son of Marcello now paints for Santa Caterina.
Their pieces have been presented as gifts to President Bill Clinton, Emperor Akihito, and Pope John Paul II, cementing their status as prominent cultural ambassadors for Italian art.