The Craft

The production of handmade Cretan terracotta pots is a traditional craft passed down through generations in Crete, known for its high-quality clay and skilled artisans. Here’s an overview of the process:

Clay Selection and Preparation
Clay Selection and Preparation
  • Artisans source high-quality, natural clay from the local Cretan soil, which is rich in minerals and ideal for pottery. This is sourced nearby to Thrapsano.
  • The clay is cleaned and prepared to remove impurities, then mixed with water to achieve the desired consistency.
Shaping the Pot
Shaping the Pot
  • Hand-Throwing or Coil-Building: Skilled potters use a potter’s wheel or hand-building techniques (such as coiling) to shape the pot. The size and style of the pot depend on its intended use (e.g. planters, jars, or decorative pieces).
  • The artisan uses traditional tools to refine the shape and add details, ensuring symmetry and balance.
Drying
Drying
  • The freshly shaped pot is left to dry slowly in a shaded, well-ventilated area for several days. This gradual drying prevents cracking or warping.
  • Once the pot has dried to a leather-hard state, artisans may carve intricate designs or apply additional decorative elements.
Firing
Firing
  • The pots are placed in a large, wood-fired kiln, often built using traditional methods.
  • The firing process takes place at high temperatures (up to 1,050°C) to harden the clay and make it durable. This step can take many hours or even days, depending on the size of the kiln and the number of pots.
Finishing
Finishing
  • After firing, the pots are sealed (left in tank for 24 hours), then left with their natural terracotta finish, showcasing the rich, earthy tones of the clay. The natural sealant enhances frost resistance or to create a smoother texture.
Quality Inspection
Quality Inspection
  • Each pot is inspected for quality, ensuring it meets the artisan’s standards for durability, functionality, and beauty.
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Crafting Heritage

Our artisan crafted pottery celebrates the skilled workmanship, culture and natural beauty of the Mediterranean with each unique piece having individual characteristics with subtle variations in colour and texture.

Terracotta has been in use since ancient times, in Chinese Pottery from 10,000 BC, in Greek Pottery from 7,000 BC as well as in Mesopotamian and Egyptian arts and sculptures, Minoan art from Crete and Italian Etruscan art. Deriving from the Latin words ‘terra cocta’ and having a literal meaning of ‘baked earth’ which showcases its natural eco-friendly qualities and easy resistance to both heat and climate.

The astonishing durability of terracotta together with its warmth and elegance speaks for itself and is the reason for its continued popularity.

Rhythm of Craftsmanship

At Kilned Earth we celebrate the timeless motion of making – the spin of the wheel, the shaping of clay and the steady hand of skilled artisans perfecting their craft. With the continuity of heritage every pot tells its own unique story of lineage dedicated to creating beauty that lasts.

Shaping Spaces

With minimalist elegance and understated sophistication, Kilned Earth transforms everyday environments into works of art. Think timeless terracotta, interiors enriched by curated craftsmanship and gardens brought to life with bespoke designs. This is more than homeware, it is quiet luxury where every piece speaks to an elevated taste.

Values at our core

Sustainability is at the heart of every piece, combining eco-conscious materials which are natural and pure with timeless design to create elegant home and garden ware that endures. This route positions Kilned Earth as the choice for those who value authenticity and craftsmanship together with a lifestyle rooted in mindful sophistication and modern sensibility.