Italian large terracotta flower pot for the garden - Fornace Masini

The Medici vase is a terracotta vessel suitable for decorating gardens or terraces.
This Impruneta terracotta vase is handcrafted by our artisans and decorated with impressive Medici coats of arms and festoons. It is suitable for holding any type of flower, plant, or shrub; the good breathability of Impruneta terracotta combined with thermal insulation and minimal moisture release from watering keeps roots and plants in excellent health. In addition to its function as a planter, the Medici vase is a valuable piece of furniture, adding beauty and elegance to any environment.
Like all other products in the Masini Terrecotte Artistiche terracotta series, it is weather-resistant down to -25°C. Available in one size.
The size and color of the vase, as indicated above, may vary slightly due to the handcrafted nature of each piece, making each one unique in the world.
 
FACT

This wonderful vase, entirely handmade, pays tribute to the Medici family, the undisputed heroes of the Florentine Renaissance. The Medici played a decisive role in the rebirth of Florence after the dark and decadent Middle Ages, not only from an economic and social perspective but primarily from a cultural one. Particularly Cosimo il Vecchio and his grandson Lorenzo the Magnificent gathered the best artists, philosophers, and writers of the time at their court, elevating the prestige of Florence.
For us, this vase embodies exactly that: the splendor and majesty of Florence, but also Art.
At the forefront is the emblem with six balls, a symbol of the famous Florentine family. Festoons and the Florentine lily are also featured.

High-quality clay and ancient terracotta crafting techniques are the hallmarks of the Fornace Masini workshop. 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. Every artifact is a unique piece 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 range of “MASINI” vessels is perfect for interior decoration but, due to the natural closeness of the material to the environment and natural colors, finds its best use in garden furniture. Our products are recognizable by the brand that guarantees the highest quality of each item, where the artisan’s touch and the vitality of tradition are clearly visible.

Impruneta terracotta has 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 the Santa Maria Nuova and Innocenti hospitals. The entire “Fornace Masini” product range is resistant to extreme temperatures from –20°C to desert-like heat. This feature is due to 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 accumulate in containers 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 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 coverage on products, as it may cause damage.

The color scheme 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, dominating at different times.
Among the most notable chemical components is iron oxide, which allows the fired product to be colored in a characteristic red hue.

Since 2005, the company has been a founding member of the Association of Historical and Artistic Impruneta Kilns, which is committed to promoting quality and culture and is recognized by its brand, guaranteeing the highest standard for each piece, clearly reflecting the irreplaceable touch of the artisan and the vibrant strength of tradition.

Manufacturer information