Luxurious flowerpot made of Italian clay in a Mediterranean style - Fornace Masini

The Neptune vase  is an impressive pillar vase depicting Neptune, the god of the sea in Roman mythology, triumphing.

This magnificent terracotta vase, composed of two elements—the base and the vessel—is entirely handcrafted by our experienced artisans.

The Neptune vase is a work by the renowned French sculptor Etienne Le Hongre, whose history dates back to 1664. The original cast iron piece is currently housed in the Palace of Versailles.

Thanks to its impressive size and elegant decorations, this terracotta vase is perfect for decorating classical or historic gardens or environments.

High-quality clay and ancient terracotta techniques are synonymous with the Fornace Masini manufactory. Their kiln, which began operation in 1938, is 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 a unique 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 range of “MASINI” vessels is ideal 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 artisan's personal touch 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 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 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 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 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 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 the 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 Historic 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 personal touch and the vibrant strength of tradition.