Preserving pottery, a traditional craft of Crete with roots in 7000 BC, while developing it so as to serve the modern decorative and utility needs, Michalis Houlakis is engaged in this art more than 25 years.
Designs of ceramic pots that were found in archaeological sites of the Minoan period are included in his selection: Knossos, Pithari, Pithos, Koronios, Minoiko, Mpogiatzopitharo, Brika, Amphoreas. Still handmade, shaped on pottery wheels and wood fired in kilns burnt with olive seeds, his pots and planters are characterized by the unique aesthetic of Greek pottery of Thrapsano. With new designs he is trying to serve the needs of modern homes and gardens: Munich, Electra, Icarus, Panos, Voni, Spiros.
Extra care is taken for the strength and longevity of the ceramics with the use of anti-frost and water-proof materials. With respect to the environment, natural and environmentally-friendly water-based materials are exclusively used in our “handmade pottery for sale“.
Production
Clay is made by mixing just soil and water in a kneading machine. The soil is found exclusively in places on the island of Crete. (photo 1)
All items are formed on electrically powered wheels, which allow smoother and faster shaping without changing the traditional features of the products.
Pots are made progressively by adding zones called “stomoses” from the bottom to the top. (photo 2)
They are placed in the sun to dry for up to 4 days, depending on their size and the air temperature. During the rainy winter months the drying is done indoors with the help of special ventilators. (photo 3)
The ceramics are fired in traditional kilns that are burnt with olive seeds. The firing ranges from 1030 to 1050 degrees Celsius and lasts approximately 10 hours. (photo 4)
Twelve hours after the baking procedure, the pots are taken out of the kiln and filled with water. This stage lasts at least 6 hours and is essential, as it helps them become impermeable and durable.
