Prepaid Affection - Deruta pottery, Italy

Name: Prepaid Affection
 
Type: Hand-painted Italian Folk Art Script with Florals
 
Year: Mid-to-late 20th century
 
Set: Yes
 
Mark: Deruta pottery, Italy - Deruta pottery, Italy
 
History: This whimsical pair of Italian hand-painted majolica plaques comes from Deruta, a renowned pottery-producing town in Umbria, Italy. The phrase “Pax et Bonum” ("Peace and Goodness") on one plaque references a Franciscan motto, while the other humorously reads “Il cliente affezionato paga sempre anticipato” — “The loyal customer always pays in advance.” These sayings are commonly found on souvenir ceramics from central Italy, particularly from Deruta or Orvieto.
 
 
The border and floral motifs, along with the freehand text, are classic features of mid-20th-century Deruta pottery — with lively, casual brushwork and bold color palettes. The glaze shows mild wear and chipping, most notably on the rim of one plaque, which affects resale value slightly.
 
 
These items are decorative, likely used as humorous kitchen wall décor or as small trinket trays. Despite the minor damage, their charm and collectible nature still hold appeal, especially to collectors of Italian ceramics or kitschy folk sayings.
 
Flaws: Some chips in the paintwork