Black Clay Pitcher (Cântara)

Name: Black Clay Pitcher (Cântara)
Brand: Ra-Ro
SKU: 06PT07CTE00013
Price: 36.20 EUR
Availability: InStock

36,20 €

Ships immediately · dispatched within 48h

Ra-Ro IndexVery RareWhat is the Ra-Ro Index?

Traditional clay is fired. Gondar's dark clay is forged. Forged from the fire of the soenga, a technique invented by local artisans in the early 17th century, where a traditional open-air fire bursts into flames reaching a temperature of 1000ºC, infusing the clay pieces with black smoke that gives them their historically unique hue.

Read the story of the piece

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Handmade byCésar Teixeira

Dimensions

Diameter > 17 cm
Height > 20 cm

Care

Handling
Due to the unique, handcrafted nature of this piece, please handle it with care to avoid accidental knocks or drops. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, as this can cause cracking.

Storage
If used for decorative purposes, use a dry cotton cloth or soft brush to remove dust.

Store in a safe place where it is protected from possible impacts.

Shipping and returns

Shipping time: Within 48 hours

We ship to Portugal, the rest of Europe, the US, Canada and Brazil. You have 30 days to return the piece free of charge. Payment is secure and encrypted.

Gondar black clay

Black Clay Pitcher (Cântara)

A pitcher in Gondar black clay, with the smoke of the soenga on its surface.

Story of the piece

Black Clay Pitcher (Cântara)

A piece of black clay born from an ancestral fire.

Traditional clay is baked. The dark clay of Gondar is forged. Forged from the fire of the soenga, a technique invented by local artisans in the early 17th century, where a traditional outdoor bonfire erupts into flames reaching a temperature of 1000ºC, infusing the clay pieces with a black smoke that gives them their historically unique hue.

As you read this, César Teixeira and his son João, from the village of Gondar (Minho, Portugal), are among the last who still conjure the soenga to create elegant, mysterious, and dark clay pieces like this cântara - both utilitarian and decorative, according to your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this piece?

Cântara of black clay forged in the soenga by César Teixeira, in Gondar, Minho. Ancestral pottery, unique hue. Very rare piece.

Which region does it come from?

It comes from Minho, Portugal. At Ra-Ro, each piece is connected to its origin and the territory where it is born.

Who produces this piece?

It is produced by Cesar Teixeira, the producer with whom Ra-Ro works directly for this piece.

What technique is used?

This piece is made using the Pottery technique.

Are all the pieces the same?

Being a handcrafted piece, it may vary slightly from one example to another. This variation is part of its authenticity.

Where do you ship to?

We ship to Portugal, the rest of Europe, the USA, Canada, and Brazil.

How does the return process work?

You have 30 days for a free return.

Is the payment secure?

Yes, all payments are processed securely and encrypted.

In numbers

The piece in facts.

Height20cm

With a diameter of 17 cm.

Fire temperature1000°C

The open-air soenga fire reaches 1000 °C.

Origin of the soengaXVIIcentury

A technique invented by Gondar's artisans in the early 17th century.

See the piece

See every detail.

Overview

The whole piece

A traditional form, darkened by the soenga smoke.

1
SpoutA pouring spout shaped from the lip itself.
2
HandleShaped from the same black clay as the piece.
3
Wavy bandA wavy line incised around the body.
4
Smoke marksThe soenga smoke leaves unique tones on every piece.

Another angle

From the side

Each angle reveals different tones left by the fire.

1
SpoutA pouring spout shaped from the lip itself.
2
HandleShaped from the same black clay as the piece.
3
Wavy bandA wavy line incised around the body.

The technique

ABOUT SOENGA

Soenga is a technique invented by Gondar artisans in the 17th century, where a traditional open-air fire reaches 1000°C, infusing the clay pieces with black smoke that gives them their historically unique hue.

See this maker’s pieces

Meet the Producer

THE GUARDIAN OF SOENGA

César Teixeira is one of the last active soenga masters, preserving a 17th-century craft that transforms clay into art pieces darkened by fire, with the help of his son João.

discover the story

From the same maker