A unique dog sculpture made of clay - Fornace Masini

The terracotta statue of Cockera Impruneta depicts a delicate Cocker Spaniel, intended for relaxation.

The Cocker Spaniel, crafted using traditional Impruneta terracotta techniques, has been hand-redefined.

The terracotta Cocker statue is suitable for garden or outdoor settings, but also makes a classic interior decoration.

High-quality clay and ancient terracotta craftsmanship techniques are synonymous with the Fornace Masini brand. Their kiln has been operating since 1938, making it one of the oldest in the area. Since then, generation after generation, Masini has committed to offering and guaranteeing products that combine beauty and craftsmanship with functionality and durability. Each artifact is a unique work of functional art.

There are many terracotta processing techniques, each with its own secrets, history, and artisans. The brand produces clay using ancient traditional methods. In the kiln, water, air, fire, and earth blend and encompass each other, creating unique objects of extraordinary beauty.

The entire range of “MASINI” vessels is perfect for interior decoration, but due to the natural proximity of the material to the environment and colors of nature, they are most happily used in garden furniture. Our products are recognizable by the brand, which guarantees the highest quality of each item, where the unmistakable touch of the artisan and the vitality of tradition are clearly visible.

Impruneta terracotta has been used in major Florentine buildings such as the Santo Spirito church, Sant'Ambrogio, the apartments of the Grand Duke at Palazzo Vecchio, the Santissima Annunziata monastery, Santa Trinita, and hospitals Santa Maria Nuova and Innocenti. The entire “Fornace Masini” product range is resistant to extreme temperatures from –20°C to desert heat. This feature results from the highly valued clay mined in the Impruneta area, a town near Florence, between the valleys of the Ema and Greve streams. The extraction area is very limited—about 200 km—making the material’s value extraordinary.

Precautions to keep products in excellent condition for a long time

1. Use small wooden or terracotta supports to keep the pot elevated and ensure the drainage hole is not blocked;

2. Make sure water does not stagnate in containers used as cachepots or plant holders;

3. Empty and possibly turn over “saucers” or vessels that collect water when temperatures approach 0°C;

4. Wall and garden fountains should be emptied during cold seasons to prevent cracks or breaks caused by water freezing and expanding;

5. Do not move or lift pots when frozen and adhered to the ground, and do not use hot water to detach them; if necessary, use salt.

6. Prevent prolonged snow accumulation on products, as it may cause damage.

The color of each product is unique and differs from all others. This is due to the chemical and physical components of the Impruneta clay, which appear during firing, sometimes dominating one, sometimes another.

Among the most distinctive chemical components is iron oxide, which gives the fired product its characteristic red color.

Since 2005, the company has been a founding member of the Impruneta Historic and Artistic Kilns Association, which promotes quality and culture and is recognized by the brand that guarantees the highest level of each object, clearly reflecting the unmistakable touch of the artisan and the vibrant strength of tradition.