Lastra, Vietri’s first Italian stoneware collection, is not only durable, chip-resistant, and safe for use in the oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher – it also has an interesting history.
![Cheese Strap Cheese Strap](https://www.GraciousStyle.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/CheeseStrap-560.jpg)
Italian for “strap”, Lastra is inspired by the rustic wooden straps used as cheese molds in Italy for centuries. The darkness around the edges of each piece is reminiscent of the ash that was dusted over the cheese in order to preserve it.
![Lastra White place setting Lastra White place setting](https://d1r7bfp0lbkani.cloudfront.net/images/VIETRI_White-Lastra-Glamour_fs.jpg)
Each piece of Lastra gets the same loving attention as an artisanal cheese – formed by hand, fired at a high temperature, and hand-glazed.
![Lastra molds Lastra molds](https://www.GraciousStyle.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_9157-Virgina-Lastra-molds-560.jpg)
The simple lines and elegant colors of Lastra make it a popular collection that works equally well in a formal or casual setting. Like a fine cheese, Lastra will get better with age!
![Lastra table setting Lastra table setting](https://d1r7bfp0lbkani.cloudfront.net/images/VIETRI-LASTRA-glamour-1_fs.jpg)