Details that make a difference

"Every item produced by Ceramiche Artistiche Giglio takes shape through a precise and meticulous artisanal process, where it is the details that make the difference."

Kneading the clay

This is the operation that serves to compact, homogenize and elasticize the clay to make it ready for the various subsequent stages of processing the first of which, modeling, which will give the object the desired shape and size.

The potter’s wheel

In this processing phase , the object is physically created. The best known technique is the lathe technique, which it would be more correct to define on art. To become experienced turners, it takes many years of apprenticeship and sacrifices. Think about it: from a piece of earth (the clay) placed on the lathe disc, which today turns thanks to an electric motor, with only the help of hands and water, because without water the clay could not slide under the hands, the turner pulls up, literally, an object and not one, but depending on the orders, dozens or hundreds and all of them must have basically the same measurements.

Applications

Made exclusively by hand, they are one of the most important processes of our of making ceramics. In fact, on the objects previously made with the lathe, relief decorations are applied, always in clay and always and exclusively by hand: fruit, leaves, flowers but also animal or geometric figures. It is one of the techniques that require more imagination and creativity as well as a technique and preparation that in practice never ends. This particular form of work is another great must of our production.

Drying

Is not a technique but a work phase in which objects are put to dry before firing. In fact, if the objects were not well dried once in the kiln, they would break when the heat for their firing rises to very high temperatures.

The first firing

Also called “biscuing,” for the reason that the object after this operation is called a “cookie.” This is a delicate stage in which the artifacts are carefully positioned on tables, to rise like a tower, and then placed in the fired, which in this phase is brought to a crescendo up to a temperature of 800 degrees. Once fire, the kiln remains closed for a few hours before being opened so that the heat can be lowered.

Enameling

Is a process that can be performed in two distinct ways: the first is by immersion, and in this case the objects are “dipped” into basins containing enamel, which will be white if to be decorated or even in other colors for different finishes. The second is sprayed evenly on the object with an airbrush. Whether decorated or not after this process, the objects must be put back in the kiln for the second firing.

The Decoration

Is and modeling one are the essential phases of the ceramic production. In our case decoration is an integral part of conceiving ceramics. In fact even, even if our productions vary in a thousand and one ways, from terracotta to enamels, the decoration done by hand by our “painters” remains an irreplaceable strength.

The second firing

Serves to “vitrify” the glazes and make the objects waterproof and available for daily use, whether they are objects for the table or for the interior design. In this second firing, the oven temperature must go above 1,000 degrees to be successful.

“You can only learn an art in the workshops of those who earn their living from it.”

Samuel Butler