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The Craft

Cretan clay in skilled hands.

A time-honoured vessel.

A pithos (plural pithoi) is a large storage jar that dates back to the early Bronze Age, when Crete was the centre of Europe’s civilisation and Minoan trade flourished. A pithos would typically be used to store or transport valuable oil, wine, grain or ointments and was characterised by handles, a wide body and a narrow neck.

The mountains gifted Crete with a fertile plateau and wide regional variations of clay produced terracotta unique in durability and character. Little has changed over the millennia, and today our pots are still produced in the same traditional way.

Our pots are made by skilled artisans at our pottery on the Greek island of Crete, using materials and methods that have endured for thousands of years. Each one is hand thrown on a wheel in a captivating process that can last for days, and has to be seen to be fully appreciated.

The Cretan clay is blended with silica, producing a top quality, frost resistant pot. The pots are fired using crushed olive stones and grape seeds to fuel the kilns to a temperature of around 1,150°C. Being thrown on the wheel and traditionally fired gives each pot its own unique character and colouration. 

Every pot is a unique work of art.

Look closely at a Pots & Pithoi pot, and you'll fall in love with its individuality. Subtle variations in colour, texture and detail make your pot unique — a work of art that is unrivalled in its quality and beauty.

A classic, two-handled pithos is a timeless design.

A classic, two-handled pithos is a timeless design.

Piecrust detailing adds character to a planter.

Piecrust detailing adds character to a planter.

An elegant bowl with tactile bands.

An elegant bowl with tactile bands.