THE HISTORY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origins of the terracotta
The Impruneta’s
Terracotta, famous for the earth rich in quartz and iron minerals,
is locally called “Land of the Deep Blue”. It
was discovered ca. 3.000 years ago by the Etruscans who were
able for inventing the use of terracotta. They preserved wine
and olive oil in jars and terracotta pots. Later, Romans used
it to store food during long travels at sea
I° Phase of Manifacture:
Mixture of clay and moulding
To create individual and traditional
Terracotta models from the famous “Terra turchina”
it’s necessary to have the “know how” of
each phase of creation. It requires specific techniques and
different methods of chamfer/phases. First of all the earth
must be ground and pasted with water, then the moulding and
casting is done by the technical and artistic mastery of Alessandro
CORSIANI. Following your request he’s able to create
beautiful unique terracotta pieces.
II° Phase of Manifacture:
Dessication
Dessication is a very important
phase and depending on the form of terracotta it needs a minimum
20 hours to dry. Seasonal and climatic variations may also
be an influential factor. During this time the clay’s
water content drops 10%.
III° Phase of Manifacture:Firing
and cooling
Firing is a delicate and difficult phase.
In temperatures from 750 C to 1000 C, each piece must
be fired in the kiln more than 50 hours and go through
a gradual temperature change. After cooking, each piece
is put in to the water. This procedure garantees durable
and versatile pieces which are resistant to rigid and
salt atmospheric.
