Impruneta Terracotta, Ciotola Orlata Alta, Round Planter

Original Impruneta Terracotta with Lifetime Guarantee on Frost Resistance ( 100% frost resistant ) *

History Impruneta Terracotta

Not far from the gates of Florence is the small town of Impruneta, which has been famous for its high-quality clay since ancient times. The Etruscans and later the Romans used this earth to produce clay vessels in which wine, oil and other products could be preserved in the best possible way. "Terra Turchina" was the name given to this clay, which is particularly rich in valuable minerals such as quartz and iron. With it, the "civiltà del cotto" (culture of terracotta) was founded in Impruneta. In the Middle Ages, the first workshops flourished, giving the impetus to a craft tradition that has been preserved to this day. The production techniques handed down for centuries differ in manual construction (colombino), impression in plaster molds (calco), modeling over a core mold (guscio) and industrial production. The success of Impruneta manufactured goods is confirmed by its use as a building material in world-famous buildings. Brunelleschi, the architect of the Florentine Cathedral, used the bricks and roof tiles from Impruneta to build the dome of the cathedral, which has been admired for 500 years.

Production Impruneta Terracotta

"Earth - Water - Air - Fire" These four basic elements make up the working phases for the production of the famous "Cotto from Impruneta". First, the high-quality earth is finely ground and then kneaded with water (impastatura).

The clay is then modelled. Various techniques are used: the "calco", the "guscio", up to the great technique of building by hand, which gives irregularities to each piece made, making it unique. Unlike other areas, in Impruneta the construction is not carried out by hand on the turntable, but is worked according to the ancient method of "colombino". Here the potter turns around the pot and builds the vessel in a spiral with clay sausages ("lucignoli") placed on top of each other.

Drying of the Impruneta terracotta. The finished pot is then ready for drying. The water evaporates slowly and the size of the object is reduced by about 10%. The duration of the drying process depends on the season and the environment in which it is carried out. Drying of the Impruneta terracotta. The finished pot is then ready for drying. The water evaporates slowly and the dimension of the object decreases by about 10%. The duration of the drying process depends on the season and the environment in which it is carried out.

Kiln

The vessel is now fired. The firing process reaches a temperature of 1000°C and lasts until it cools down completely when the oven is closed. After this firing phase of about 75 hours is completed, each object is immersed in water again. In this way, a long shelf life and a high resistance to frost and salty air is guaranteed. 

*Ensuring winter hardiness

To ensure that you can enjoy our Impruneta Terracotta products for a long time, the following information must be observed:

Cover the hole with shards or gravel so that the water can drain off unhindered (drainage).
Place containers on terracotta feet or wooden strips so that water drainage is guaranteed and the vessel, figure, etc. does not freeze to the bottom.
 Tip! In most cases, the insurance covers any damage, e.g. rear-end collisions, storm damage or theft.