Papiri · 2024
Mythological Vessel
Glazed ceramic, gold leaf
About this work
A vessel that bridges millennia of Mediterranean mythology, drawing from the rich iconographic traditions of Magna Graecia. The golden leaf accents trace paths that echo ancient trade routes, while the glazed ceramic body holds the weight of stories passed through generations of Neapolitan artisans.
This piece represents a meditation on containment — both physical and metaphorical. What does a vessel hold? Water, wine, grain, but also memory, ritual, and the sacred act of offering.
Gallery
Details
Material
Glazed ceramic, 24k gold leaf
Dimensions
45 × 30 × 30 cm
Technique
Wheel-thrown, gold leaf application
Year
2024
Front view and detail of the mythological relief pattern
The process of applying gold leaf to ceramic requires extraordinary patience and precision. Each sheet is thinner than a human hair, placed by hand onto a surface prepared with a special adhesive. The result is a surface that catches light differently throughout the day, transforming the piece into a living dialogue with its environment.
Creative Process
The creation of this vessel spanned four months, beginning with hand-thrown forms on the wheel. After the initial bisque firing at 1000°C, the piece was glazed with a custom blend of feldspar and silica. The gold leaf was applied in the final stage, using a traditional water gilding technique adapted for ceramic surfaces.
Exhibition
Dialogues in Clay
TRiBU' Art Gallery B&B
March — June 2024
A solo exhibition exploring the intersection of ancient mythological narratives and contemporary ceramic practice, featuring twelve new works created specifically for the gallery space.
Interested in a similar piece or a custom commission?