Spain’s ceramic traditions are steeped in a history that can be traced back as far as Neolithic times. The finds at many of the significant ancient burial sites dotted around Spain have given incredible insight into the use and development of pottery and ceramics over historic phases. Over millennia, Spanish pottery designs and forms were heavily influenced by the mixing of different cultures during the various ruling empires and trading connections… most notably with Greece and Rome, the most long lived example being the Alhambra Vase which shape is derived from classical Roman pottery forms.
 The most eminent influence on Spanish ceramics was imprinted during the invasion and occupation of the Moors in 714 A.D. whose rich and affluent society created a demand for decorative highly intricate, elegantly formed pottery and most authentic, handmade Spanish pottery that you buy from today’s Spanish potters, still bears homage to these wonderfully artistic influences.

During the peak of Moorish rule from 714 A.D. to 1492, major ceramic centres were formed in areas across Spain where the country´s largest rivers provided natural and readily available fine silt clay for the pottery producers. Cordoba, Granada, Sevilla and Valencia all became major pottery production centres with Malaga close by as a convenient seaport trading with the East.

Entire families and villages in certain areas turned to ceramic production during the pottery boom of the 50´s and relied solely on this industry to survive. At the beginning of the ceramic explosion in Spain, many families worked directly from their homes and could be seen throwing pots and bowls on hand spun wheels, under the shade of their terraces or palm trees, where groups would gather to escape the sun and socialise as they worked. The huge centuries old Moorish style kilns were often used, some of which still survive and are occasionally stoked up, more in the interest of tourism these days. As the demand for exportation of their work grew, the village pottery businesses developed into networks and cooperatives of families who began to design and make their own styles of pottery; each design unique to the family or area, but retaining the Moorish influences…vibrant colours and intricately hand painted scenes and motifs of Spain and the typical geometric designs, of which the Granada style is most widely recognised and collected all over the world

Many of the large country homes, or cortijos, became large dedicated pottery centres, employing the skill of the locals to produce the ceramics. The Moors had used pottery as decoration and were the first to introduce metallic oxides and vivid colours on ceramics; techniques which were the basis of the modern methods and glazes we see today as well as the world recognised geometric styles that remain a strong feature.

Our Spanish pottery is produced by a small Spanish family run business, consisting of two brothers who oversee the production and one sister, who as well as helping to run the business, also hand paints the pottery. They employ 20 potters from the local village and surrounding area. The business has been in the family for over three and a half generations…the highly specialist skills handed down from father to offspring and now proudly carried on for this generation of Spanish pottery collectors!

We fell in love with the history, the passion, the colours and forms of these beautiful collections. We have seen them being created, shared ice cold café with the potters under the vine covered terrace, chosen the best and most versatile selection we believe possible and now take great pride in passing them to you to enjoy.