DESCRIPTION
The Contrade Turtle Design Espresso Cup and Saucer, is handmade, painted with 24 karat gold 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 & Saucers are available in all 17 District Designs. The Turtle (Tartuca), for centuries has represented the "Rione della Tortuca" during the Palio horse race. "Rione" stands for Neighborhood. The Contrade Italian Ceramics are handcrafted in Siena, Italy.
Tartuca is situated at the southern end of the city. Traditionally, its residents were sculptors.
Tartuca's symbol is a tortoise with alternating Savoy knots and daisies. Its colours are yellow and deep blue.
Winner of the Palio, on July 2, 2009, with Giuseppe Zedde on Già del Menhir. Tartuca last won the Palio on 20 October 2018.
It is opposed to Chiocciola, while its allies are Leocorno, Nicchio, Onda and Selva.
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.