Costco Connection - December 2008

The dazzlin g colors of Murano (opposite page), delicate artistry of Armani (left) and tr aditional designs of Deruta (right) represent some of Italy’s finest work.

sticker indicating Murano authenticity.

Pay particular attention to the weighty, traditional Murano animal figurines and the always-changing array of vases, bowls, goblets and platters. Popular palettes include topaz, ruby, aqua, classic murrina gold leaf and millefiori, which remind me of multicolored hard-candy slices. (Murano glass art, including heart ornaments and wine stoppers, is also available on costco.com.)

All of Costco”s Armani Collection figurines bear the factory designation, copyright mark, artist’s mark or signature and a certificate attesting to the originality of the work.

These gorgeous figurines are also available on costco.com, so I did a little comparison shopping. Costco.com’s current limited-edition Armani Collection “Ikebana Girl” is offered at $949.99 delivered, compared to another e-tailer selling it for $2,000 delivered. Costco savings are more than 50 percent.

Florentine figurines

Florence, the city of Leonardo da Vinci, Brunelleschi, Raphael and Michelangelo, has a long tradition of figurative art. In the past 30 years, one master sculptor stands out above all others: Giuseppe Armani.

Since 1975, in partnership with the world-famous Florence (Tuscany) Sculture d’Arte, Armani and his select team of talented sculptors have produced the esteemed Armani Collection of graceful porcelain figurines in a variety of period styles, from the 16th- century Florentine Renaissance to the modern day.

Every step in the creation of an Armani cold-cast figurine is done by hand, with up to 25 different craftspersons requiring six months to produce one work of art. The outcome is a sculpture of such exquisite, breathtaking realism that Armani pieces are now on display at the Vatican and the White House.

Kristin reports, “Florence Sculture d’Arte shares Costco’s high standards of excellence. Any sculpture that does not pass our rigorous checks is destroyed. And since we work on a very small margin, savings are significant.”

Sadly, Giuseppe Armani suddenly passed away in late 2006. Costco continues to carry the highly coveted limited-edition sculptures, starting at $949.99, as well as figurines from many other talented artists of Sculture d’Arte, starting at $219.99.

Divine Deruta

Kristin states, “Two years ago we noticed fine, hand-painted Deruta majolica ceramica appearing in high-end shops at exorbitant prices. We knew we could carve out a much fairer price for members. Today Costco offers one of the best values on Deruta ceramics in the country, at prices 50 percent lower than those of traditional retailers’. ”

Costco’s entirely handmade, traditional Deruta ceramics are produced exclusively in Deruta at the family factory of painting maestro Graziano Pimpinelli, who is committed to using techniques first documented in the 13th century. One ceramica can take up to 10 days to make. Each is signed by the painter “HANDMADE IN DERUTA, ITALY.” Extensive testing is conducted to guarantee the ceramics are 100 percent lead-free.

Deruta ware, like all of the collectibles case’s handmade Italian offerings, continues to increase in value. However, Costco prices for gorgeous bis-cotti canisters, vases, soup tureens and more remain steady at $99.99 to $299.99, with some limited-edition pieces as high as $799.99.

Pausing to look one more

time at the Italian treasures filling Costco’s collectibles case and costco.com, I find myself giving thanks to the artisans and Costco for helping to keep these traditions alive. C

A look at the
collectibles
cabinet

There’s much to like about this small glass-enclosed oasis.*

• One-stop shopping is quick, with more than 100 keepsakes offered.

• Authenticity is guaranteed.

• Savings range from 25 to 50 percent over fine gift retailers.

• Purchasing is simple; fill out a merchandise pickup slip, hand to the cashier at checkout and, voila, the packaged item is brought to you.

If you don’t see what you’re looking for at your local Costco, try costco.com for additional items.

*No collectibles cases are in the St. George, Utah; Brandywine, Maryland; or La Mesa and El Centro, California, Costcos.

Costco”s collectible gift-

giving guide

REJOICE YE harried holiday shopping soul mates: A wide variety of fine collectibles is available (in limited supply) in the warehouse case and online at costco.com. If you are purchasing online and wish to receive by December 25, order by December 18 using the express shipment option.

Less than $25

• Kosta Boda™ Swedish glass art snowball-design votives (set of four)

• Royal Albert’s™ Old Country Roses 8-inch fine bone china vase by England’s Royal Doulton™

Less than $50

• Spode Christmas Tre e™ five-piece place setting and other coordinating tableware • Assorted Portmeirion Botanic Garden™ stone ware (available in and around the case)

More than $50

• Versace™ by Rosenth al™ porcelain china dishware (with a Costco savings of 50 percent or more)*

• Waterford™ handcrafted crystal stem-and giftware (available in and around the case). Each piece is etch-signed “WATERFORD”*

• Hand-painted, limited edition, miniature porcelain boxes from Limoges. • Swarovski™ Austrian lead crystal curios* • French handcrafted and artist-signed Daum pâte de verre molded glass art (only at costco.com) *Also available on costco.com