Although the production of garden terracotta in Italy has ancient roots, it is only in the last 50 years that there has been a growth of factories and models. In this article, we will talk about a classic from the 1970s, the Millerighe model, whose authorship, I confess, is unknown to me. I have always seen this article in manufacturer catalogs; practically every company has a Millerighe model in their catalog.
The essential traits of the Millerighe design are simple and clean, as befits a successful pattern. Square upper border, body formed by horizontal lines, but also vertical ones, a sort of cylinders with a diameter of less than one centimeter arranged parallel along the entire length of the vase that generate a clear groove between each other, the smooth frame on the corners and on the upper and lower sides, the smooth and square base, of less importance than the upper border in terms of height.

At first, the Millerighe was born as a design for rectangular containers, generally called boxes, particularly appreciated for embellishing terraces and balconies, as well as delimiting spaces and areas in gardens. Soon, production was automated with presses and metal prints to meet the increasing orders, also allowing for a reduction in selling price. Important markets such as Rome, but also Milan, were invaded by the Millerighe model, which, however, ended up being increasingly identified as an industrial article, cheap and of poor quality.

As a result, the Millerighe model became a flagship product for the most automated companies that aimed at an economical and industrial production, while the artisanal companies discontinued its production, moving towards new designs, such as the garland planter.

The identifying features of the Millerighe pattern are the squared upper border, the body formed by horizontal and sometimes vertical lines, a smooth frame surrounding the pattern, and a square-shaped base that is smaller in size than the upper border

Other artisanal companies added other shapes to the Millerighe planters, such as cubes or squares, pillars or tall squares, semicircles, and corners, creating a family of items with the same pattern that were not mechanically produced. The aim was to sell in a market, that of the Millerighe planters, which was important but in which they could not compete on price with the rectangular ones alone.

The Millerighe pattern today appears outdated and almost no longer used, especially after mechanical production has almost completely disappeared. The niche production of artisanal companies has survived better, thanks to their flexibility, in the face of globalization of markets.
Fashion, new models, the desire for new shapes, and creativity have led to a myriad of new designs. The market in more mature countries, from a production point of view, has become more selective, and the fast turnover of models does not make it profitable to invest in machines and metal prints to increase production.
However, the Millerighe remains an article with a classic flavor, and every company has at least one model on its product list.
The fundamental elements of Millerighe design are:

• Righe or stripes: These are the defining characteristic of Millerighe design, consisting of straight, parallel lines that run vertically or horizontally. The width and spacing of the stripes can vary, but they typically have a uniform appearance.
• Symmetry: Millerighe designs are often symmetrical, with the same pattern repeated on both sides of a central axis. This creates a sense of balance and harmony in the design.
• Rectangular shapes: Millerighe designs are often used on rectangular shapes, such as planter boxes, trays, and other decorative objects. The stripes are arranged in parallel rows that follow the contours of the object, creating a sense of continuity and flow.
• Bold colors: Millerighe designs are often executed in bold colors, such as black and white, or bright, saturated hues. The contrast between the stripes and the background creates a dynamic, eye-catching effect.
• Industrial aesthetic: Millerighe designs are often associated with an industrial aesthetic, owing to their origins in the mass-production of metal containers. This aesthetic is characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, and a focus on function over form.