Deruta boasts a centuries-old tradition in the lively art of ceramics. The manufacture of artistic majolica reached its peak during the mid-16th century with artists who signed works of great beauty, such as Giacomo Mancini, known as 'El Frate', and Francesco Urbini. During that century, the majolica repertoire became more and more complex and varied, populated by mythological scenes, female figures, battles and sacred images that adorned large plates, cups or noble coats of arms, characterised by a great vividness of colour (especially orange, yellow and blue). During these years, the so-called lustre technique also became popular, which gives golden reflections to the most important works and an example of which can be seen in the plate depicting the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian now in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Deruta ceramics were also used to decorate the floors of several buildings, such as those of the Church of San Francesco, the Sacristy of San Pietro in Perugia, and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Spello. Even today, Deruta is home to important ceramics schools that allow people to learn this centuries-old art.

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