If you're a fan of Italian art and ceramics, then you won't want to miss Biordi Art Imports, a family-owned business that has been importing the finest Italian art for over 75 years.
Founded in 1946 by Italian immigrant Emilio Biordi, Biordi Art Imports began as a small shop in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood, where Emilio sold Italian ceramics and pottery to the local community. Over the years, the business expanded and became a must-visit destination for art lovers, both in San Francisco and beyond.
Now owned by Deborah Baldini and her family, Biordi has not strayed from its ceramic roots, but has instead sought to expand its offerings to include a broader range of Italian products. This expansion has been driven by a desire to bring the best of Italy to the San Francisco community, as well as an interest in responding to customer demand. Deborah explains that she still honors the relationships with Italian artisans from previous owners whilst expanding her business.
'Most of our artisans in Italy we've worked with for decades, we work with all the same artisans that the previous owner worked with. But we also brought in some some newer modern artists to expand our collection of products like hand soaps and linens. We want to honor tradition but also get a more contemporary customer. We want to appeal to a more modern Italian consumer as well.'
One of the most popular items at Biordi is the "Moorish heads," or "testa di moro," which are ceramic sculptures of the heads of North African men that are commonly found in Sicily. These sculptures were prominently featured on the recent hit show, The White Lotus, and have been in high demand ever since. Despite selling out due to overwhelming demand, Biordi has continued to stock these popular items and plans to have more shipments arriving from Italy soon.
While the expansion of Biordi's offerings has been a recent development, the store's commitment to quality Italian goods remains as strong as ever. With an eye for traditional Italian craftsmanship and a dedication to sourcing only the best products, Biordi continues to be a beloved institution in the San Francisco art community.
But Biordi Art Imports is more than just a store - it's a living piece of Italian-American history. The store's walls are lined with photos and memorabilia from its long history, providing a glimpse into the past and a sense of connection to the present.
If you're looking to bring a piece of Italian art and culture into your home, or if you simply appreciate the beauty and history of fine art, then a visit to Biordi Art Imports is a must. With its stunning collection of art, expert services, and rich history, it's no wonder that Biordi Art Imports has become a San Francisco institution and a destination for art lovers from around the world.