Where Tradition Meets Innovation in Artisan Ceramics
Discover exquisite hand-crafted pottery, bespoke designs, and unique sculptural art pieces born from generations of Florentine artistry. Immerse yourself in the timeless craft through our workshops or commission a piece that tells your unique story, infused with the soul of Italy.
More than just a studio, Bottega d'Argilla is a legacy passed down through generations.
Nestled discreetly along Via dei Fossi, a street renowned for its antique shops and artisan workshops, Bottega d'Argilla has been a cornerstone of Florence's artistic heritage for over seventy years. Founded by the Rossi family, the studio began as a humble workshop dedicated to creating functional terracotta pieces for local households. Over time, under the guidance of successive generations, it blossomed into a recognized center for exquisite decorative and sculptural ceramics.
Our philosophy is deeply rooted in the time-honored techniques that have defined Tuscan pottery for centuries, yet we constantly embrace innovation. Our master artisans, many of whom have been with us for decades, combine traditional hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glazing methods with contemporary designs and artistic interpretations. This unique blend allows us to produce pieces that are both timeless and distinctly modern, reflecting the dynamic spirit of Florence itself.
Every pot, vase, or sculpture is meticulously crafted by hand, imbued with the passion and skill of the artisan. From the careful selection of local clays to the precise firing temperatures and the artistry of the glazes, each step is executed with unwavering attention to detail. Visiting our studio at Via dei Fossi, 25 is an opportunity to step back in time, witness the creative process firsthand, and experience the soul of Florentine ceramic art. We are not just creating objects; we are preserving a legacy and shaping future heirlooms.
Our commitment extends beyond creation; we are passionate about sharing our knowledge and love for clay through engaging workshops, inviting beginners and experienced potters alike to discover the therapeutic and rewarding world of ceramics. Bottega d'Argilla is more than a place of business; it is a community of artists, learners, and enthusiasts united by a shared appreciation for the tactile beauty and expressive potential of clay.
Explore the range of possibilities we unlock with passion, skill, and the versatility of clay.
Browse our curated collection of functional and decorative pottery, each piece hand-thrown or built with care by our artisans. Find unique vases, bowls, mugs, plates, and planters designed to add a touch of artisanal beauty and timeless elegance to your home or office. Our pieces are fired at high temperatures for durability and finished with food-safe glazes, making them perfect for everyday use or special occasions.
Bring your unique ceramic vision to life with our bespoke design service. Whether you desire a custom dinnerware set, a personalized decorative object, or a specific architectural element, our team will collaborate closely with you from initial concept sketches through material selection, glazing options, and the final firing process. We translate your ideas into exquisite, one-of-a-kind ceramic creations tailored specifically to your space and aesthetic preferences.
Discover statement sculptural pieces that showcase the expressive potential of clay. Our artisans create unique, captivating sculptures ranging from abstract forms to figurative works, suitable for interior display or garden settings. These pieces are fired for exceptional durability and often feature innovative textures, finishes, and glaze applications, making them perfect focal points for art collectors and interior designers seeking distinctive elements.
Immerse yourself in the art of ceramics with our engaging workshops and classes held in our historic Florentine studio. We offer sessions for all skill levels, from beginner introductions to the pottery wheel and hand-building techniques to more advanced glazing and firing courses. Experience the tactile joy of clay, learn traditional methods, and create your own pieces under the expert guidance of our skilled instructors in a welcoming and inspiring environment.
Trust our expert artisans with the delicate restoration of your cherished or antique ceramic items. Whether a treasured family heirloom, a valuable antique, or a beloved piece damaged through use, we employ meticulous techniques to repair chips, cracks, and breaks, often recreating lost elements and seamlessly blending finishes. Our goal is to preserve the history and beauty of your piece, returning it to its former glory with minimal visible signs of repair.
Elevate your interiors or exteriors with unique, custom-designed ceramic tiles. We create bespoke tiles for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, decorative panels, fireplaces, and more. Choose from a variety of clay bodies, shapes, sizes, textures, and hand-painted designs to perfectly match your architectural style and personal taste. Our custom tiles add a distinct artisanal touch and lasting beauty to any space.
Collaborate with us on large-scale ceramic installations for public spaces, corporate environments, hotels, restaurants, or private residences. Our team has experience designing and executing complex ceramic artworks that integrate seamlessly with architectural elements. We work with architects, designers, and clients to create impactful, durable, and visually stunning installations that transform spaces and leave a lasting impression.
Witness the journey from raw clay to finished masterpiece, a testament to patience and skill.
Every piece begins with a spark of imagination. We take the time to understand your vision, whether it's for a bespoke commission or a piece for our collection. Initial sketches, technical drawings, and material considerations are carefully mapped out, ensuring the design is not only beautiful but also achievable in clay.
Selecting the right clay body is crucial. We prepare the clay meticulously, ensuring it has the correct consistency and removing any air bubbles through wedging. This preparation guarantees the clay is pliable and ready for the artist's touch, preventing issues during shaping and firing.
This is where the magic happens. Using techniques like wheel-throwing, hand-building (pinching, coiling, slab construction), or sculpting, our artisans skillfully transform the raw clay into the desired form, patiently refining the shape and surface details.
Once formed, the piece must dry slowly and evenly to prevent warping or cracking. This can take several days or weeks, depending on the size and thickness of the piece and atmospheric conditions. The clay transitions from wet and plastic to bone dry (greenware).
The greenware is loaded into the kiln and fired to a relatively low temperature. This process hardens the clay permanently, making it porous enough to absorb glaze but strong enough to handle without breaking. After the bisque firing, the piece is ready for decoration.
Glazes are applied by dipping, pouring, brushing, or spraying. Glazes are essentially liquid glass, colorants, and clay materials. The choice of glaze and application method significantly impacts the final appearance, adding color, texture, and durability.
The glazed piece is fired again, this time to a much higher temperature. This melts the glaze, fusing it to the clay body and creating a hard, non-porous, often glossy or matte surface. The temperature and atmosphere in the kiln are critical for the glaze to develop its intended color and texture.
After the final firing and cooling, the piece is carefully inspected. Any rough edges are smoothed, and final touches like polishing or adding non-ceramic elements are completed. The finished piece is then ready to be admired and used, having completed its transformation from simple earth to enduring art.
Explore a selection of our finest hand-crafted ceramic and sculptural pieces, each telling its own unique story.
Experience the Bottega d'Argilla difference through the genuine words of those who have shared our craft and received our art.
"Attending the workshop was an incredibly inspiring experience. Learning traditional techniques in such a beautiful, authentic setting in Florence was truly unforgettable! The instructors were patient and knowledgeable, creating a supportive atmosphere."
"The bespoke piece commissioned for our home is absolutely perfect. The attention to detail and the exquisite craftsmanship far exceed all expectations. It's not just pottery; it's truly a work of art that enhances our living space beautifully."
"Bottega d'Argilla's restoration of our family heirloom vase was simply impeccable. It was in pieces, and they brought it back to life so skillfully. It now looks as beautiful and seamless as the day it was originally made, preserving its history for future generations."
"I joined the beginner's pottery wheel class and was instantly hooked! The atmosphere is so welcoming, and Maestro Antonio's guidance is fantastic. I created my first bowl, and I'm so proud of it. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to try ceramics."
"As a collector of Italian contemporary art, I was thrilled to discover Bottega d'Argilla's sculptural pieces. The abstract form I acquired is truly dynamic and adds a sophisticated element to my collection. The quality and artistic vision are outstanding."
"Working with Bottega d'Argilla on custom tiles for a client's kitchen was a dream. Their ability to translate complex design concepts into beautiful, handcrafted tiles was impressive. The final result added immense value and unique character to the project."
Join us to explore your creativity and learn the timeless craft of ceramics in the heart of Florence.
Whether you're a complete beginner eager to get your hands dirty or an experienced potter looking to refine specific skills, we offer a diverse range of workshops designed to inspire creativity and teach foundational and advanced ceramic techniques. Experience the meditative and rewarding process of working with clay under the patient guidance of our master artisans within the historic, creative atmosphere of our studio. It's the perfect way to unwind, learn a new skill, or deepen your connection with artisanal craft.
Date/Time: Every Saturday, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
This introductory workshop is perfect for those new to the potter's wheel. Learn the essential steps of centering clay, opening, pulling walls, and shaping basic forms like bowls and cylinders. All materials and tools are provided. Take home a bisque-fired piece you create!
Learn More / Sign UpDate/Time: Every Tuesday, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Explore the versatile world of hand-building. This class covers fundamental techniques including pinching small forms, building taller vessels with coils, and constructing pieces using clay slabs. Ideal for those who prefer working off the wheel or want to expand their skillset.
Learn More / Sign UpDate/Time: Monthly, check our detailed schedule below
Demystify the glazing process. Learn about different types of glazes, application methods (dipping, brushing, pouring), and how glazes interact during firing. We'll also cover basic finishing techniques like sanding and polishing your fired ceramic pieces.
Learn More / Sign UpDate/Time: First Sunday of the Month, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
An experimental workshop focusing on creating sculptural forms without functional constraints. Explore abstract shapes, textures, and assembling techniques. Suitable for those with some basic clay experience or adventurous beginners.
Learn More / Sign UpCheck our contact page for the full calendar and to register for a workshop!
We'd love to hear from you, discuss your project, or welcome you to our historic studio in Florence.
Whether you have an inquiry about our available pieces, want to discuss a bespoke commission, need assistance with a ceramic restoration, or wish to sign up for a workshop, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized service and sharing our passion for ceramics.
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
We recommend calling ahead if you are traveling a long distance or have a specific artisan you wish to meet.