Cipriano Piccolpasso (1524-1579) was a renowned Italian potter during the Renaissance.
Piccolpasso was born in Castel Durante, a city in the duchy of Urbino, in Umbria, that was an important centre for the manufacture of maiolica. He published in 1557 the first comprehensive treatise on maiolica techniques: Li Tre Libre Dell’ Arte Del Vasaio (The 3 Books of the Potter’s Art). The treatise was written at the request of the French ambassador to Rome, cardinal François de Tournon, who was motivated by the improvement of French faience manufacturing. The manuscript is enriched with many drawings of Piccolpasso that explain in lively detail the basic procedures for maiolica production. The book includes a selection of designs for plate decoration. The manuscript is now conserved in London in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
