Contrade 24kt Espresso Cup & Saucer, 4 oz : Elephant

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The Contrade Elephant 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 Dinnerware is available in all 17 District Designs. The Elephant (Torre), for centuries has represented the "Rione della Torre" during the Palio horse race. "Rione" stands for Neighborhood. The Contrade Italian Ceramics are handcrafted in Siena, Italy.  

Torre is situated just to the south-east of the  in the centre of the city, and encompasses Siena's Jewish quarter and . Traditionally, its residents worked as .

Torre's symbol is an elephant (the contrada's original name was Liofante or Lionfante) with a tower on its back. Its colours are crimson, striped with white and blue.

Torre is the adversary of both Onda (wave) and of Oca (goose). It is the only contrada to have two rivalries, making it the most contentious contrada in Siena. Torre’s unique ally is Bruco.

The small differences in color, shape, diameter or small bubbles that form inside, do not constitute a defect but testify that it is actually an artisanal product.

 

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.