THE vibrancy and colour of sunny Italy is expressed in one of the two

most recent additions to the centre's shops. Ware on Earth, which

imports ceramics from Sicily mostly, has attracted a lot of interest in

both Edinburgh and Glasgow since Robert Murray Brown started up five

years ago.

The Italian Centre was the obvious location when expansion seemed like

a good idea, and the freshness and vigour of Ware on Earth's ranges are

shown to advantage in this serene and stylish setting.

The pots are mainly functional, cups, saucers, plates, and bowls for

everyday use, but occasionally they are very extravagant. There is

something very cheerful about these hand-painted pieces (you can tell

they come from sunnier climes) and they are guaranteed to brighten up

mealtimes in our grey climate.

Painted cherries, colourful exotic birds, and brightly painted flowers

are all characteristic of this pottery and you can collect them

gradually as ranges are quite extensive. They make lovely presents, of

course.

Chacmool has moved into the centre in time for Christmas, and presents

of another sort can be found in their shop next to Chipie. On the ground

floor is a dazzling array of sterling silver jewellery, rings,

bracelets, and earrings from Italy, Mexico, and Thailand, as well as a

unique range made from abalone shell.

This is the only outlet in the UK where these lovely pieces can be

found and the same is true of the Florentine, decorative candles which

are also stocked by Chacmool and which also make unusual presents.

Downstairs you will find lovely Italian leather bags and those

intriguing and very much sought-after glass oil candles which burn for

hours and hours.