4.5" Oaxacan Clay Bowl

$24.00 CAD $32.00 CAD
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HANDMADE IN MEXICO

These serving bowls are made from rich Oaxacan clay and hand fired, using generations of experience and tradition.

Story

Francisco creates these pieces using techniques that have been handed down for generations. But he takes it one step further. He adds unusual natural elements to his work, items he grows by hand. The sap and leaves of organic copal and tobacco help create his smoky black colour. Other hues from cream to orange and aqua are created using natural elements he sources from a local mine.

And this is the magic of Oaxaca. Rooted in history, each artist has a specific source of mud and sand – and elements – that are used to bring a unique style to their finished pieces.

Francisco has perfected his craft, creating classic and elegant handmade clay objects that combine the wisdom of tradition with the power of innovation.

Details
  • MEASUREMENTS: 10-12.5 cm Diameter x 5 cm H / 4-5" Diameter x 2" H
  • MATERIALS: 100% Oaxacan Clay
  • ORIGIN: Mexico
  • Please note that the natural clay used varies in colour (from tan to black)
 Product Care

While these items are dishwasher safe on a gentle cycle, we recommend hand washing and allowing to air dry. Please ensure pieces are thoroughly dried before storing.

Meet Our Artisan Partner

Santa María Atzompa, Mexico

Francisco Martinez Alarzón

Francisco’s journey with Oaxacan pottery began in his childhood, steeped in the rich traditions of Santa María Atzompa, a pueblo famous for its green glazed ceramics. After a decade in the USA, Francisco returned to his roots, following the path of his ancestors and reviving the pottery techniques and methods he inherited.

The town’s ancient kilns, revealed by archaeologists, underscore the continuity of traditional practices. Modern artisans still use hand-built stone kilns that echo pre-Hispanic designs, with each artisan adding their own mark to their pottery. Every burn mark and thumbprint on the surface serves as a reminder that these pieces are crafted by hand, not by machines, reflecting pride in heritage, storytelling, and personal connection.

Francisco elevates this tradition by incorporating unique natural elements into his work. He infuses his clay with sap and leaves from organic copal and tobacco, which he grows himself, creating distinctive colours and textures. His open-air studio, set on his property with kilns scattered around, allows him to fire his creations using materials from his land. This approach yields a range of earthy colours from cream to green, along with his signature smoky black, blending natural elements with traditional craftsmanship.

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