The process begins with locally sourced clay, which is mixed with water and prepared until it reaches the correct consistency for shaping.

The prepared clay is then worked on a potter's wheel, where a skilled potter shapes each piece by hand. The potter controls the form by applying pressure to the rotating clay, gradually building the height, curve and profile of the finished design.

An experienced potter can produce around 100 pieces in a working day, although this will vary depending on the size and complexity of the design.

Once shaped, the pieces are allowed to dry before being placed into a kiln. They are fired at approximately 1000°C for around six hours, transforming the soft clay into hard terracotta.

After firing, the pieces remain inside the kiln for around 24 hours to cool gradually before they can be safely removed.

Once the terracotta has been fired and cooled, it moves to the finishing stage.

Different designs are finished in different ways. Some pieces are painted in white or black, while others are dry-brushed with a darker contrasting colour to emphasise the texture, shape and surface detail.

The painted surface is then finished with a protective lacquer.

Because the painting and finishing are completed by hand, subtle differences in colour, brushwork and surface texture can occur between individual pieces.

These small variations are part of the handcrafted process and help give each product its own individual character.

Our terracotta products are made by skilled craftspeople in India using pottery techniques that have been practised for generations.

Different people are involved at different stages of production, from preparing the clay and throwing the forms on the potter's wheel to firing, painting and finishing the completed pieces.

Pottery is a traditional craft that relies heavily on the experience and judgement of the maker. Even when producing the same design repeatedly, each piece is individually shaped and finished by hand.

This means our terracotta products retain subtle signs of the people and processes involved in making them rather than having the completely uniform appearance of machine-made ceramics.

Terracotta is a natural, handcrafted material, so subtle variation between individual pieces is completely normal.

Small differences in shape, dimensions, colour and surface texture can occur because each piece is formed by hand on a potter's wheel.

The firing process can also create slight differences in the tone and texture of the clay. Hand-painted and dry-brushed finishes may vary slightly in colour, coverage and intensity from one piece to another.

You may also notice small surface marks or gentle irregularities created during shaping, firing and finishing. These are characteristic of handmade terracotta and are not usually considered faults.

Significant cracks, structural damage or breakages are not part of this natural variation.

Terracotta is naturally absorbent and should be kept away from prolonged contact with water.

Our decorative terracotta vases should not be filled directly with water or used with wet flower stems unless the individual product has been specifically lined or protected for this purpose.

They are best suited to faux flowers, dried flowers, dried grasses and decorative branches.

For everyday cleaning, remove dust using a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, use a lightly damp cloth and dry the surface immediately afterwards.

Do not soak or submerge terracotta products in water and do not place them in a dishwasher.

Avoid leaving water, oils or other liquids sitting on the surface, as terracotta can absorb moisture and this may lead to staining, discolouration or changes to the finish.

Take care when moving the product, as fired terracotta is hard but can chip, crack or break if dropped or knocked against a hard surface.