Vessel | Stratum

The form began as a block of raw plaster, sculpted by hand over several days into the original. From that sculpture, a custom mould was made. White clay from the Iberian Peninsula is poured into the mould, then the piece is demoulded and reworked by hand. Each one carries small finishing touches that return it to the singular character of the original.

After drying, an engobe of iron oxide and a trace of manganese is sprayed across the surface. This gives the deep earth tones, the ochre, the stone grey. A first firing sets the clay and the engobe. A transparent enamel is applied and fired a second time to bring shine and protection. Then manganese is applied once more to deepen the cracks and create the running, sedimentary effect that defines the piece. A third and final firing sets it.

The form echoes eroded sandstone. The surface reads like a cross-section of earth. Mineral, sedimentary, ancient.

Rooted in a ceramic tradition that has shaped Morocco for centuries. Reinterpreted for the contemporary interior. No painted motifs. No repetition. Each surface is one of one.

Made by a ceramist in Salé who came to the craft through his father’s connection to the old Oulja pottery market. A place that no longer exists.

White clay, iron oxide engobe, transparent enamel, manganese. 29cm H x 22cm W. No two pieces carry the same form.

Decorative object. Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth. Keep away from prolonged moisture, direct sunlight, and extreme temperature changes. Not suitable for food, liquids, microwave, or dishwasher.