Stoneware thrown by hand in La Bisbal d'Empordà.

From a lump of clay to your table

Every piece goes through the same five steps, over about three weeks.

1. 1

   Centre

   The clay is wedged, thrown down on the wheel and pressed with both hands until it spins true.

2. 2

   Throw

   Three pulls raise the walls, and the belly and neck are shaped from inside. It takes about two minutes.

3. 3

   Trim

   A day later, leather-hard, the foot is cut and the throwing lines are turned smooth.

4. 4

   Glaze

   Held by the foot and dipped once. Raw glaze is a pale powder; its colour only shows in the kiln.

5. 5

   Fire

   Twelve hours up to 1,280 °C in the gas kiln, then two days to cool before the door is opened.