The Lemon Navy Oil Bottle was handmade, painted and imported from Italy. This navy and gold pattern is a wonderful addition to Pia Formato's artistic styling. Elegant yet bright, these pieces bring a new light to Deruta ceramic. The small imperfections such as the difference 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 In old town of Deruta, Italy, nestled on the hilltop, stands Pia’s ceramic shop. Inside, Pia Formato, a master glazer known for her grand technical grasp, innovative designs and uncommonly vibrant colors, began twenty years ago with her interpretation of Eugenio’s geometric patterns. What has now become known as “Pia’s Red” is a vibrant red that results from a great deal of professional glazing skill. Pia’s patient endeavor showcased in all her works bring any table, any room and a mere meal to an occasion. Italian ceramics are heirloom quality products, and can last lifetime with proper care. We have some suggestions that will preserve your majolica for years to come. Majolica is dishwasher safe, but many people choose to hand wash their pieces as a precaution. Because majolica is a porous material, some pieces are not meant to hold liquid for a long period of time. Check for warning labels before ordering a product, as the pieces that are most notorious for "sweating" are appropriately labeled. Majolica is sensitive to extreme temperatures, specifically boiling or freezing liquids. Pouring water with a rolling boil directly into a teapot, for example, may lead to breakage. To avoid this, temper the object. The industry standard is 620 degrees Celsius (1,148 degrees Fahrenheit). Quench the glass to cool it. Crazing is common in well used majolica. The tiny cracks in the glaze do not affect the functionality of your majolica. Majolica hand-crafted products should not be microwaved, as it may crack and/or break the ceramics.