Horezu Ceramics by Maria Stefanescu: Handcrafted Romanian Pottery

horezu pottery by Maria Stefanescu. Traditional Romanian artistry meets modern design. UNESCO recognized.

  •         My  name is Maria Stefanescu and I was born in the Horezu region, in a family that has lovingly and devotedly nurtured the tradition of pottery. Through this vibrant and creative environment, I had the privilege to discover and understand, from a very young age, the secrets and beauty of this ancestral craft. 
  •  I learned the intricacies of the craft when I was a child, assisting my parents in their workshop. Over the years, I have explored and developed my own style in my ceramic creations. I am proud of my originality and creativity. Each object I create is unique and bears the personal imprint of my style.
  •         Horezu ceramics, one of Romania's most precious traditional crafts, was honored with the distinction of being included in the prestigious UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2012. This high recognition conferred by UNESCO masterfully underlines the value and special cultural importance of Horezu ceramics, spreading its glory and prestige at an international level.
  • The appreciation and compliments bestowed upon my craftsmanship as a ceramic artist fuel my passion for this artistic field. Each piece I create is intended to reach the hands of those who truly appreciate and value this form of art .

PORTOFOLIU

  • 24-27cm Plates

  • 19-22 cm Plates

  • 13-15 cm Plates

  • 16-19cm Plates

  • 16-19cm Bowls

  • Bowls 16-19 exterior glaze 2

  • Bowls 16-19 exterior glaze

  • 24-27 cm Bowls

  • 13-15cm Bowls

  • Ceramic

  • 13-15 Cornered Plate

  • Mugs/jugs (soon more pictures )

  • set

  • Egg holder

PLATE MANUFACTURING
The process of making a Horezu ceramic plate can be divided into several stages:
1. *Clay Extraction and Preparation*: The clay is extracted from the local area and prepared by kneading it to remove impurities and achieve a suitable consistency for modeling.
2. *Color Preparation*: Similar to the clay we use, these colors are directly extracted from the earth in solid form. They are then meticulously prepared with water and passed through a "rasnita " until they become liquid, ready to be applied.
3. *Modeling*: The clay is shaped into a plate on the potter's wheel.
4. *Decoration*: The plate is decorated with different patterns and symbols using natural colors.
5. *Finishing the Back*: The plate is turned over and processed with special attention, ensuring that its texture is smooth and fine.
6. *Drying*: The plate is left to dry naturally. This process can take a few days and is essential to prevent the clay from cracking in the following stages.
7. *First Firing*: Once the plate is dry, it is placed in the kiln for the first firing
. 8. *Glazing*: After the first firing, the plate is covered with a layer of transparent glaze which will give the object a glossy finish.
9. *Second Firing*: The plate is put back in the kiln. The second firing fixes the glaze and colors, turning the plate into a durable and resistant object.
10. *Cooling and Final Finishing*: After the second firing is completed, the plate is left to cool.

Contact 

  • Horezu, România