The beginning of porcelain manufacturing in Tuscany was marked by foundation of the Manifattura Ginori in 1735. The person responsible for introducing this activity was Marchese Carlo Ginori, who had a passionate interest in chemistry and porcelain. He succeeded in turning his scientific bent into a fully business activity. The production of the Ginori manufactory is divided into five periods, according to the different members of the family that ran it.

In 18th century manufacturing became increasingly organized and complex and the works became one of the most important of this kind in Italy. During that period the number of workers had risen from 500 to 1,500 and the products had come to be sold all over the world. In 1896 the Ginori family sold the manufactory to the Milanese industrialist Augusto Richard, who inserted it into a wider business context.

The factory production was divided in two sectors, maiolica and porcelain, with a varied range of items for everyday use, as dinner services, coffee and teapots, cups, etc. The manufactory also produced copies of famous works from the Renaissance. In order to train skilled workers in a period in which ceramics sector was expanding, the School of Industrial Design was founded in 1873. Benefiting from the school and factory experience, some skilled workers set up their own family run firms producing often very fine products. The many small ceramics factory of Siesto, which are still running today, have concentrated on producing fine craft items. An indication of the rich Ginori works can be examined in the Ceramics Archive of Sesto Fiorentino, supported by local council.