Statue of David by Michelangelo in clay

Solid clay and ancient terracotta crafting techniques are synonymous with Fornace Masini. Their kiln began operations 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, 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 brand creates clay according to ancient traditional methods. In the kiln, water, air, fire, and earth blend and encompass each other, creating unique objects of this kind with 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 are most happily used in garden furniture. Our products are recognizable by the brand, which guarantees the highest quality of each individual 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 results from 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 mined material exceptionally valuable.

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 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.

Each product’s coloration is unique and differs from all others. This is due to the chemical and physical components of Impruneta clay, which appear during firing, sometimes dominating one, sometimes another.
Among the most notable chemical components is iron oxide, which colors the fired product with a characteristic red hue.

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