ITALIAN CERAMICS
Our collection of Italian Ceramics includes a wide variety of decorative items and dinnerware. You will find everything from one-of-a-kind large Italian ceramic urns, umbrella stands and wall plates to dinnerware and tabletop accessories in classical Italian ceramic patterns such as Raphael, Sienna, Orvieto, Ricco and Antico Deruta.
Also included in our collection of Italian ceramics is a wonderful selection of gift ideas. From small, intricately hand-painted Italian ceramic boxes to large trays and vases signed by some of Italy's most prized and talented artists, you are sure to find the perfect gift for the Italian ceramics lover on your list.
DERUTA . . .
Many of the Italian Ceramics pieces at The Clay Corner come from the Umbrian hilltown of Deruta. With its location and proximity to the necessary elements, Deruta became one of the earliest sites for the creation of Italian Ceramics. Today there are over 300 workshops actively engaged in the production of Italian Ceramics in this small town.
HISTORY . . .
The earliest examples of tin-glazed and decorated earthenware date back to 11th century Baghdad. But it was during the 13th century, when this type of pottery was being imported into Italy from Spain (through the busy port on the island of Majorca) that it came to be referred to as Majolica.
Before long the Italians began to create their own version of this pottery. At first they were primarily functional items, but during the Renaissance times, when art for the sake of art started to be seen, the Majolica pottery of Italy reached a summit of artistic excellence. It was then that the talented Italian ceramists and artists elevated the decorating of pottery to the art form that remains to this day.
CARE AND USE. . .
Our collection ranging from ancient and traditional patterns to contemporary designs, are all hand-molded and free hand painted. Certain variations and imperfections in shapes and painting are not to be considered manufacturing defects, but characteristics of the artisan workmanship of these unique productions.
Italian ceramic pottery is not safe for use in the microwave or conventional ovens, but it is completely lead free and food safe unless otherwise noted "For Decoration Only."
SPECIAL ORDERS . . .
While many of our Italian ceramic pieces are one of a kind or otherwise not available for re-order, most or our collection can be ordered in a variety of classic Italian designs, especially the dinnerware. There may be a minimum order requirement depending on the vendor, and a 20% non-refundable deposit is required. Please allow up to 4 - 6 months for delivery.
MEXICAN TALAVERA
The Clay Corner carries a wide selection of fine Mexican Talavera Pottery. You will find Mexican Talavera plates, bowls, mugs, cachepots, serving dishes, platters and large urns. We believe our Talavera Pottery collection is one of the best in California. Our selection includes pieces from Mexico's premier makers of Talavera Pottery, including Uriarte Talavera, Hernandez Talavera, Armando Talavera and Alonso Luis Talavera, all from the city of Puebla
AUTHENTIC . . .
The city of Puebla is the home of authentic Mexican Talavera. It was here that the first potters guilds were formed that created standards and regulations for the production of Talavera designed to maintain uniform quality and Mexican Talavera's distinctive style and excellence. Today, there are only 14 "certified" fabricas.
HISTORY . . .
Talavera pottery is a form of Majolica, which refers to all types of handmade enameled earthenware. It was first developed in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt and was further refined in China where it became very popular. The craft came into use in Spain by the Thirteenth Century, where its development was heavily influenced by centuries of Moorish tradition. Within Mexico, the Talavera style dates back to the 16th century colonial era when it was first introduced to Mexico by Spanish artisans.
CARE AND USE . . .
Today, Talavera Pottery that is imported into the United States must be completely lead-free and food-safe unless it is clearly marked "For Decoration Only" or "Not for use with Food."
All of the Talavera pottery at The Clay Corner is also perfectly safe for the dishwasher.
POLISH POTTERY
Our beautiful European stoneware is individually handcrafted in Boleslaweic, Poland by world renowned artists. This continues a tradition of centuries old folk art that began in the small town marketplaces of the then German province of Silesia, now a part of Poland. The colors and designs are each individually applied by hand by highly skilled artists using tiny hand cut sponges and brushes to stamp each indifidual pattern and color on the stoneware.
Created from very fine white clay, the decorated pieces are then fired at temperatures exceeding 2450 F, covered with a heavy crystal clear glaze and fired again. This process produces stoneware that is not only beautiful but also unsurpassed in terms of durability and resistance to chipping. Our Polish pottery is designed for use in the oven and microwave and, of course, is completely dishwasher safe. No special care is required!
PEWTER
We carry an exceptional selection of old world Italian Pewter from both Arte Italica and Match. Handcrafted by artisans in the north of Italy, all of this pewter is renowned for its ability to seemlessly compliment any style or decor and requires little or no maintenance. In addition, The Clay Corner is proud to showcase the irresistible sculptures from Carrol Boyes Funcional Art, styled and crafted in a fusion of metals including pewter, aluminum and stainless steel. Each amazing piece is handcrafted in South Africa's tropical Limpopo Valley, where the impoverished Shangaan people have an age-old talent for three-dimensional design through their tradition of woodcarving.
Today the factory employs some 350 people, each one of them providing for up to ten other family members! Every item in the collection has been lovingly hand finished and crafted, contributing to its beautiful but unique appearance. With the exception of the stainless steel pieces in this collection, handwashing is recommended, but everything is completely food safe! The Carrol Boyes items that you see on our website are but a small sample of what we have in our shop and what is available to order. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any special requests!
