Natural Terracotta

The unsung hero of the ceramics world

Our handmade Natural Terracotta lampshade is truly unique. With a finely brushed texture, every shade reflects the master potter's hand and exceptional stroke.

 

Inside, the semi-translucent glaze softens light, letting the rich terracotta material subtly show through, contrasting nicely with the deep brick outer matte colour and bringing a cosy, relaxed warm light to any interior.

 

The Natural Terracotta lampshade is a celebration of this once historic material, mastered over decades by generations of skilled craftsman.

"A timeless, relaxed and comforting material for a cozy atmosphere"

Day 1

1. Filling the mould

The plaster mould is filled with liquid slip. The water will be absorbed by the plaster, allowing the slip to get thicker

2. Emptying

After some time, the mould is emptied. How quickly a mould is emptied depends on many factors, like the outside temperature, or the humidity. It takes the craftsmen a lot of skills to know when it is just right.

3. Cast clean-up & Trimming

The inside of the freshly moulded lampshade is now cleaned up and trimmed to be released from the mould.

4. Shaping

The holes in the gallery and at the top of the lampshade are cut by hand.

5. Final clean-up

The craftsmen carefully remove any last imperfections before the first firing. The lampshade is also wiped with a sponge before the firing. This gives the Natural Terracotta shade its distinct texture.

Day 2

6. First firing

After drying out and passing the first quality inspection point, the lampshade is fired. The soft brittle lampshade becomes a hard ceramic. 

Day 3

7. Glazing & Drying

Glazing Terracotta is notoriously difficult. Our skilled craftsmen practiced for a while before getting the application just right.

The glaze on our Natural Terracotta shades is slightly translucent, adding a hint of the warmth of terracotta.

 

The freshly glazed lampshades are then set aside to dry before entering the kiln for their second firing.

Day 4

8. Second firing

The glaze on our Natural Terracotta shades is slightly translucent, adding a hint of the warmth of terracotta. The lampshade is now finely inspected. 

Day 5

10. Last firing

The lampshade is fired one last time to finish the black badge into the glaze.

 

Once out of the kiln, the Natural Terracotta lampshade is carefully packaged and labelled, ready for its new home. 

Shop the Natural Terracotta lampshade