RAKU CERAMIC SCULPTURE - AMULET N. #857

► DIMENSIONS

- Diameter: 15cm
- Height: 9cm
- Weight: 857g

► FEATURES

Sculpture belonging to the series "AMULETS: Exercises for Defense"

AMULETS are apotropaic elements, a defensive skin, an armor that acts as a transitional object to project one's self into a threatening and protective body.

These sculptures have an unheimlich, disturbing and somewhat perturbing shape, reminiscent of the carapace of some animals or an uninhabitable volcanic earth.

Furthermore, when manipulated, each AMULET produces a different sound, which may seem metallic, but is created by small clay components inside.

It is a sound that could come from the depths of the universe, from the bowels of the earth, from a mining quarry.

The instinct to create objects that produce an apotropaic sound is widespread throughout the world and in every era.

Like the bells, the bamboo canes that are filled with water in Japanese gardens or the rain sticks, the AMULETS are part of this tradition and are part of that series of objects that act as an intermediary for the genius loci and the kami.

► LISTEN TO THE SOUND OF THE "AMULET": https://valentinasemprini.com/suono-amuleti

► HANDMADE

I create each sculpture by hand, without the aid of the wheel, in the traditional Japanese technique, that is by pinching the clay, modeling it with my hands and carving it with simple tools.


► IRREGULARITIES / IMPERFECTIONS

Each sculpture is a unique piece, so it is special precisely because there is no other like it in the world.

Being handmade, the cup can have small irregularities and "imperfections", which according to the philosophy of "Wabi-sabi" are the parts most to be appreciated and contemplated.

It is a real meditative act to rotate the sculpture in your hands while observing precisely what are its most peculiar characteristics: a distinctive sign in the glaze, an area of ​​darker or more intense color, the mark left by the tongs when the cup is removed from the oven, etc.

► RAKU FIRING TECHNIQUE

Raku firing is an ancient Japanese ceramics technique to create a very unique finish to wares.

The Raku technique is essentially when glazed ceramics are taken from the kiln while they are still glowing red hot and are then placed in a material that would be able to catch fire, such as sawdust.

This method is used to starve the piece of oxygen, which creates a myriad of different colors within the glaze, especially if copper oxide is contained in it.

Furthermore, due to the thermal shock, a thin network of surface cracks called "Craquele" is created on the glaze, which is the most distinctive sign of Raku ceramics.

Raku firing creates completely unique pieces because the elements of nature such as air, earth, fire and water intervene in the process, so there is never a certainty as to how the final piece will turn out.

There will really never be one piece alike!

► USE

The glaze used to cover the sculpture is lead-free and non-toxic, so the sculpture can contain preferably dry foods.


► COLOR

The photos show exactly the sculpture you will receive at home. However, some small color variations should be taken into consideration due to the different screen settings of the pc / smartphone from which the image is viewed.

► GIFT

A Raku Ceramic Sculpture is great as a gift for someone special during all kinds of occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, Christmas, Mother's Day etc.

It will be a beautiful unique and decorative piece to keep in the dining room or living room.

► PACKAGING

Each ceramic product is packed with great care, using bubble wrap, paper and cardboard.