is made from a distinctive and extraordinary technique which is called POSITIVE-NEGATIVE. This is unique due to its particular firing process in which each piece is intentionally exposed to the thick smoke produced from burning mango leafs and different kinds of firewood. This smoke is loaded with natural vegetal resins that meld with the exterior of each piece, creating a natural dark shade (except in the areas which have been covered by a special mud coating) After the piece is fired and smoked, the mud coating is removed. The solid black or dark rich brown colors found in all of our pottery products is not paint, or any other kind of artificial colorants; it is actually the result of the smoking process. The intensity of these natural colors will depend on how long each piece is exposed to the smoke. Once the pieces have been fired, smoked, and cleaned from any excess material, each piece is then burnished by hand. This polishing technique (which is usually done twice) is done by polishing using fine river stones. This polishing process helps seal the smoking process and gives each piece a matte to semi-gloss finish. No glazes or lacquers are used. For more information please look Behind the Scenes.