Production

Tableware

The process of making ceramic tableware begins with the selection of high quality clay, including locally quarried clay. This clay is then shaped by hand or using moulds into the desired form. Craftsmen use traditional techniques such as surface treatment with a sponge and water to ensure that each shape is made to exact specifications.

Once the ceramics have been formed, they need to be carefully dried before they can be fired. This drying process can take several days and requires a controlled environment to avoid cracking. The dried blanks are then fired in a kiln at extremely high temperatures to harden them and ensure their final strength.

After the first firing, the plates are removed from the kiln and glazed according to the design and desired finish. The glazes are applied by hand, which can create unique patterns and colour variations. The glazed pieces are then returned to the kiln to set the glazes and achieve the desired surface. The kiln reaches temperatures of up to 1280°, making the ceramics particularly robust and durable.

After the second firing, the plates are carefully inspected by hand to ensure that there are no flaws and that the surfaces are smooth and flawless. Finally, the finished plates are sorted, packaged and prepared for sale.

Vases

All our vases are hand made on the potter's wheel. The clay is placed on the potter's wheel where it is skilfully shaped by experienced ceramists. While the clay is being turned on the wheel, the "rodistas", as the artisans are called, use traditional techniques and special tools to model and smooth the vase. They use sponges, water and modelling tools to achieve the perfect shape and surface. This meticulous process ensures that each vase is unique.

Once formed, the vases must dry slowly and evenly before they can be fired. This drying process, which takes several days, requires a controlled environment to prevent cracking and deformation. Once completely dry, the vases are fired in a kiln at high temperatures for the first time, giving them their final strength and durability.

After the first firing, the vases are removed from the kiln and prepared for glazing. The glazes are applied by hand and give the vases their final colour and texture. The glazed vases are then placed back in the kiln to be fired at temperatures of up to 1280°C. This second firing fixes the glazes and makes the vases particularly resistant and robust.

As all our vases are completely handmade, there may be slight variations in shape and colour. Each product is unique and these small imperfections give our ceramics their character.