Luxurious lion sculpture with the coat of arms of Florence - Fornace Masini

Leone Marzocco (art. 2264) depicts a heraldic lion resting its paw on a shield, in this case representing the city of Florence.

Marzocco is a famous work by Donatello, which remains a symbol of Florence: a copy can still be admired at Piazza della Signoria in Florence.

The terracotta lion statue, due to its size, is suitable for both interior and exterior decoration, such as gardens.

In particular, pairs of lions can be placed on columns, capitals, gates, or other fences to adorn your entrance.

The pair of lions can also be sold separately.

High-quality clay and ancient terracotta techniques are synonymous with Fornace Masini manufactory. Their kiln began operations in 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. Each 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 mix and embrace, creating unique objects of this kind, 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, 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.

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 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 stagnate in pots used as cachepots or plant holders;

3. Empty and possibly turn over “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 accumulation on products, as it may cause damage.

Each product's coloration 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.

The most notable chemical component 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 unmistakable artisan touch and the vibrant strength of tradition.