Garden bas-relief made of clay - Fornace Masini

High-quality clay and ancient terracotta crafting techniques are the hallmarks of the Fornace Masini manufactory. Their kiln has been operational since 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. Each artifact is a unique work of functional art.

There are many terracotta processing techniques, each with its own secrets, history, and artisans. The clay is crafted according to ancient traditional methods. In the kiln, water, air, fire, and earth blend and embrace 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 the colors of nature, they find their happiest application in garden furniture. Our products are recognizable by the brand that guarantees the highest quality of each individual item, where the unmistakable touch of the artisan and the vitality of tradition are clearly visible.

Terracotta imprints have been 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 hospitals Santa Maria Nuova and Innocenti. The entire range of “Fornace Masini” products is resistant to extreme temperatures from –20 °C to desert heat. This uniqueness stems from 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 pots used as cachepots or plant holders;

3. Empty and possibly invert “saucers” or containers that collect water when temperatures approach 0 °C;

4. Wall and garden fountains should be emptied during cold seasons to prevent cracks or fractures 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 the Impruneta clay, which appear during firing, sometimes dominating one color, then another.

Among the most distinctive chemical components is iron oxide, which allows the fired product to take on its characteristic red hue.

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