Luxurious horse bust sculpture made of clay - Fornace Masini

This special horse bust is a one-of-a-kind limited edition.

The decoration was created using pigments and natural earths, gilded with gold leaf; all sealed with pure wax, making the decoration permanent. The entire work was handcrafted entirely by hand.

High-quality clay and ancient terracotta crafting techniques are synonymous with the Fornace Masini manufactory. Their kiln began operating 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, but also 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 clay is crafted according to ancient traditional methods. In the kiln, water, air, fire, and earth mix 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, 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 unmistakable touch of the artisan 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 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 turn over the “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 element, sometimes another.

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

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 unmistakable touch of the artisan and the vibrant strength of tradition.