Hello "Umbria Excellencies - Eccellenze Umbre", Thank you! I do consider them works of art! My husband and I bought these pieces from Ceramiche Artistiche "Giacomini" in Orvieto, immediate across from the beyond beautiful Duomo Di Orvieto! She told us that she is third generation in her family to make ceramics. Wonderful store and very nice person. I believe that she does more modern designs, as I don't remember seeing Rapheallesco or Ricco designs, but then I was on information overload by alll the designs she had! All very beautiful. I would also add to anyone looking to buy ceramics to please do some internet searching and look at designs both modern and old. You will find that you will love a dozen different designs but it helps to know what you want to look at when you get there. We also found stores that were family owned in both Deruta and Orvieto! Their enthusisam and pride was evident!