Caisson panel with sun

Caisson panel with sun, also called “Soppano with sun motif“.

“Soppano” refers to tiles, typically square but also rectangular, used historically in important palaces. They were positioned between wooden beams with the decorated side facing downwards, creating ceilings known as ‘cassettoni’. These ceilings featured a grid of beams and joists filled with these beautiful terracotta tiles, displaying their designs. Soppani typically feature a central rosette or other raised designs, such as a sun motif in this case. When weight or cost prevented the use of soppani, they were imitated with painting. Alternatively, wood parts like beams, joists, shelves, and frames, as well as the terracotta tiles themselves, were embellished with various colors and gilding.

Originating from the 14th century onward, soppani adorned prestigious Florentine palaces. The original soppano with a sun motif can be found in the museum of the Basilica of Impruneta.

Today, Soppano tiles are rarely reproduced, with more common efforts focused on restoring antique interiors. Soppani are now sold as ornamental objects and can be mounted on internal walls or embedded in external walls. Equipped with two holes, they can be hung using wire or copper.