The Faenza “Garofano” pattern is a true Italian classic from the renowned city of Faenza. Faenza is by cultural tradition defined as City of the Ceramics, lies 30 miles south of Bologna in the north east part of Italy, and while an important agricultural as well as an industrial centre, it owes its renown to ceramics. History has it that Marco Polo (Venezia 1254-1324) brought the Garofano pattern from the Orient in 1279 (along with the pasta). Please note that this is the only dinnerware collection we carry that does NOT have a 'Pure White' background glazing due to the fact that this high-end collection is manufactured using the same color tones and design just like the original antique pieces and the background is a very (very) light Gray.