the kiln - is a fascinating, somewhat dark place where earth, water and fire are masterfully combined to obtain valuable artistic object. The Impruneta craftsmen work the clay according to ancient tradition: a vase may be shaped by spreading and modelling clay on chalk moulds. With the "Round work" method the clay is added in strips to the outside: in this case the craftsman goes round the mould. When the earth is compacted, the article is finished with the addition of edges and decorations.
Very few craftsmen today are able to use the oldest and most difficult technique: the "coil method". No moulds are used, just drawings with the measurements and it takes several weeks to finish a jar. At the right moment, the articles are loaded into the firing chamber of the kiln, one on the top of another, separated by supports made from refractory material, using an old and special technique.Only two days after firing it is possible to remove the articles from the kiln and despatch them for sale.
