19th Century Spanish Black Clay Tonel or Water Jug, Signed
A signed 19th century barro negro or black clay tonel or barrel hand made in Miranda de Avilés in the Asturian area of the Cantabrian coast of northern Spain, circa 1890s. This beautiful signed utilitarian pot, with its barrel shape, wide mouth, handles, and baling twine rope attached, was originally used to carry the water from the source to the house or the fields. Today, this antique clay vessel can be used as a vase, stand alone conversation piece, or grouped with other pieces of blackware on a table, shelf or kitchen counter. Beautifully decorative, it will be a wonderful addition to any collection. Each piece is a unique work of art, and its dusky matte patina only adds to its overall character and charm. Signed ALONSO MIRANDA AVILES by the potter underneath. Additional pieces available.
The tradition of making black pottery has been in existence for centuries, and pieces such as tonels or water pitchers were created for use in daily life. Today, production is almost non-existent in Avilés, as the use for these pieces is no longer a necessity. Only a few studios continue to make the pottery using the traditional centuries old technique of "carbonation," a kind of deep smoking. The clay used to make this piece and pieces like it was and continues to be red. It's during the firing of the pieces that the "carbonation" process that produces the typical blackish or steely gray matte color takes place. Once the oven reaches 1000 degrees, wet wood or something else that burns badly is put into the combustion zone of the kiln, and the carbonation is facilitated by covering all the holes in the oven with tapines, a compound of grass and earth, preventing the entry of oxygen. This ancient procedure for suffocating cooking keeps the heat for two or three days, causing the pieces to darken.
Dimensions:
h - 7.5"
w - 8"
d - 7.5" handle to handle
TAGS: 19th Century Spanish Black Clay Tonel or Water Jug Signed, Antique Spanish Black Clay Tonel or Water Jug, Asturian Black Pottery, Aviles Pottery, Spanish Black Clay Pottery, Blackware, Spanish Water Jug, Earthenware, Utilitarian, Kitchen
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