Terracotta

Terracotta pottery is fired at similar temperatures as earthenware but is unglazed firing to brownish red/red color. Ancient Romans produced many terracotta types in Italy and Roman African Provinces (Proconsularis) from 146BCE – 698 CE fired at 800 to 1200 degrees. Most Roman terracotta pieces were utilitarian simple unadorned everyday pieces, some with etched or stamped designs. In India terracotta pottery has been significant in cultural, religious and artistic traditions for centuries. Terracotta images are considered spiritual, mystical and auspicious as Hindus believe terracotta incorporates the five natural elements of air, fire, earth, water and metal and has been use for votive statues and religious items.

Showing 13–17 of 17 results

  • Vintage Terracotta Cow, India (11322YAK) $105

    $105.00
    H: 7”  W: 8.25”  D: 3.125” | FREE SHIPPING

    This charming vintage figurine of a cow suckling its calf was mold-made in separate parts, hand-luted and painted, resulting in images made from the same mold unique and individualized. Pieces like this were created by provincial craftsman for use in home altars along with favored deities. Although having strong rural roots, terracottas have become an integral part of the life of Indians of all socio-economic levels and many of these images are displayed in most Indian households. As modern pieces are mass-produced, those produced in the first half of the 20th century are becoming viewed as collectibles.

     

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    Vintage Terracotta Ganesh on his Mouse, India (11284A-YLK) $165

    $165.00
    H: 9″    W: 4.5 ”    D: 2.5 ”    | FREE SHIPPING!

    This vintage terracotta Ganesh sits on an oversized mouse, his vehicle, holding sweets (laddo) representing earthly prosperity and well-being, a weapon to overcome fear and obstacles, and a conch shell symbolizing victory and fulfillment. The pointed aureole with raised orbs reflected is divine status and energy. Its rustic and earthy style with red, green and gold pigmentation is a fine example of Indian folk art.

  • Vintage Terracotta Policeman, India (11296ZLE) $105

    $105.00
    H: 10.25  W: 3.5″  D: 2.75″ | FREE SHIPPING!

    This colorful terracotta figurine of an Indian policeman stands on a blue base wearing a typical outfit of black boots, a long-sleeved tunic with white borders, a high belt, and a red, green, and brown wrapped turban with white borders that combine to portray an extremely confident figure. This vintage image is mold-made in two parts and was hand-luted and artfully hand-painted so all images made from the mold are unique and individualized. The provincial piece was created by a village craftsman and it is possible it may have been used in a home altar.  It is in good condition with some minor surface cracks, paint losses and repainting to the nose.

  • Vintage Terracotta Raja on Horse, India (11295GAK) $145

    $145.00
    H: 9.125″  W: 6.125″  D: 3.5″ |FREE SHIPPING

    This charming colorful terracotta image represents a crowned mustached raja – an Indian King, prince, noble or dignitary – with an elaborate high crown and sumptuous jewelry draped over his chest riding an elegant and well-muscled rearing horse with its front right leg in the air, a common theme in Indian art. The decorative garlands around the horse’s neck, green plants, and ground over which the horse and rider glide, long arching horse tail, the twist of the raja’s body so he faces forward, and other aspects of the piece add dramatic energy. Made from bivalve moulds that are hand luted and painted, no two images are identical.

     

  • Vintage Terracotta Shiva Lingam with Parvati, India (11325JLK) $165

    $165.00
    H: 8”  W: 6”  D: 4” | FREE SHIPPING

    This colorful terracotta image devotional image of Shiva and Parvati was used for daily puja in a Hindu home. Shiva is represented by a lingham, a symbolic phallus, while Parvati is portrayed as a female deity figure. The dark green tree behind them highlights both of them and a garland of colorful flowers draped over the dark Shiva lingham emphasizes the importance and power of Shiva. The orange and black snake at the apex of the garland is Vasuli, the charm Shiva usually wares around his neck who represents Shiva’s power and fearlessness, while Parvati reaches across to the lingham to designate Shiva as the central focus of the composition.

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