Ceramic figure "Swan"

Folk art and elaborate handicrafts from Uruguay. The items are fired several times, decorated with materials such as enamel glaze, gold and platinum in elaborate handwork rich in colour.

The effort that goes into these colourful ceramics is enormous. In a first step, the still soft cast base form is decorated with fine ornamental details. The first firing hardens it, then it is painted - again by hand - and decorative enamel glazes are applied. After further kiln cycles, gilding and platinum elements are finally applied - creating individual testimonies of the close connection between Latin American folk art and handicraft at the highest level.

Like no other animal in the animal world, the swan symbolises intimate love and lifelong loyalty. With its white plumage, it glides gently over reflecting water surfaces and flirts with its wings folded backwards. Ceramic figurine with an enamel glaze and 18-carat gold-plated accents. Size 11 x 7.5 x 11 cm (h/w/d).

Producer: ars mundi Edition Max Büchner GmbH, Bödekerstraße 13, 30161 Hanover, Germany Email: info@arsmundi.de

Ceramic product made of kaolin, quartz, and feldspar.

Porcelain is formed by turning or pressing, and figurative objects are cast. Complex objects have to be cast in separated steps and sections, and then "assembled". After the moulding, the pieces are dried and undergo an initial firing at about 900°C. Next, the glaze will be applied and fired at temperatures between 1,240 °C and 1,445 °C. In renowned manufactories, the porcelain is painted by hand, with each colour being fired individually under strict temperature tolerances.

Porcelain was invented in China and became widespread in Europe from the 16th century onwards. The first European porcelain factory was founded in Meissen, Germany in 1710.

Other famous European porcelain factories include Fürstenberg, Höchst, Schwarzburger Werkstätten, Lladró, Nymphenburg, KPM, Augarten, Sèvres, Limoges, Royal Copenhagen, Worcester. Each factories label their products with their personal porcelain stamps to indicate their origin.