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 Filippo
Brunelleschi demanded that the roof tiles of Santa Maria
del Fiore (the Duomo) in Florence be made of Impruneta
clay in 1503. Five hundred years later they are still in
place and as beautiful as ever. How is this possible?
Pieces
made from the rugged, red-colored clay of Impruneta are
the epitome of Italian terra cotta and are made to last
a lifetime. Unlike mass-produced or machine made
products, Impruneta terra cotta is made from the robust
clay indigenous to a small area at the village of
Imprunetta Italy, not far from Florence, in northern
Italy.
Each
piece is kiln fired at approximately 2000°F for five to
seven days. This slow, "high firing" ensures that the
clay is fully fused, resulting in a legendary product.
Tradition
and craftsmanship is uncompromised in fine Italian
terracotta. Our two Imprunetta manufacturers were
founded in 1660 and 1700 respectively.
Initially Imprunetta produced hand
made tiles and Florentine roof tiles and after a short
time followed with splendid decorative terra cotta pots.
During the 18th century, these
 inimitable
olive oil urns and terracotta lemon pots crossed the
Italian border to decorate the gardens of royal palaces
in Germany, France and England. Eventually they have
made it to the Mediterranean architecture, climate and
lifestyle of southern California.
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