“Dipinto a mano” is Italian for “painted by hand” and is often found on handcrafted Italian ceramic pieces. However, the absence of this inscription doesn’t necessarily indicate that a piece isn’t hand-painted. Many high-quality, handmade Italian ceramics may only feature labels like “Italy” or “Made in Italy,” or sometimes just the name of the import company or manufacturer. In some cases, a piece may have no markings at all, which is typically just an oversight.
To ensure you are buying an authentic, handmade Italian ceramic item, it’s best to purchase from a reputable import company, outlet, or retailer. This way, you can have confidence in the craftsmanship and authenticity of your purchase, regardless of the specific labels or markings on the piece.