An unusual modern terracotta flower pot - Fornace Masini

Orcio Obliquo is a masterpiece combining classicism and modernity, offered by the Masini terracotta art range.

Terracotta planters have always been a symbol of Impruneta terracotta tradition: in ancient times, they were used to store oil, wine, and other solid goods.

This slanted vase, on one hand, resembles a classic terracotta jar shape, while on the other, it features an inclined opening, making it a modern, perfect furniture design.

Ideal for placement at the entrance to a home, indoors, or in the garden.

Very high-quality clay and ancient terracotta crafting 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, from generation to generation, Masini has committed to offering and guaranteeing products that combine beauty and craftsmanship with functionality and durability. Every artifact is an exclusive work of functional art.

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

The entire "MASINI" range of vessels is perfect for interior decoration, but due to the natural proximity of the material to the environment and natural colors, it finds its happiest application in garden furniture. Our products are recognizable by the brand, which guarantees the highest quality of each item, where the artisan's touch and the vitality of tradition are clearly visible.

Impruneta terracotta was used in the most important 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 the Santa Maria Nuova and Innocenti hospitals. The entire range of "Fornace Masini" products is resistant to extreme temperatures from –20°C to desert heat. This durability is due to the highly valued clay extracted from 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 planter 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 invert "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 stuck to the ground, and do not use hot water to detach them—if necessary, use salt;

6. Prevent prolonged snow coverage 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 Impruneta clay, which appear during firing, sometimes dominating one color, sometimes another.

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

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