Clay hen for garden decoration - Fornace Masini

High-quality clay and ancient terracotta crafting techniques are the trademarks of Fornace Masini. Their kiln began operation in 1938, making it one of the oldest in the area. Since then, from generation to generation, Masini has been committed to offering and guaranteeing products that combine beauty and craftsmanship with functionality, as well as 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 creates clay objects using ancient traditional methods. In the kiln, water, air, fire, and earth blend and embrace each other, creating unique pieces 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 natural colors, they are most happily used in garden furniture. Our products are recognized 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.

Terracotta tiles have been used in the most important Florentine buildings, such as the Santo Spirito Church, Sant'Ambrogio, the Grand Duke’s apartments at Palazzo Vecchio, the Santissima Annunziata monastery, Santa Trinita, and the Santa Maria Nuova and Innocenti hospitals. 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 perfect 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 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 breakage 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 coverage on products, as it may cause damage.

The coloration 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 color, then 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 Historic and Artistic Kilns Association, which promotes quality and culture and is recognized by its brand, guaranteeing the highest standards for each object, where the unmistakable touch of the artisan and the vibrant strength of tradition are clearly evident.