Adding a simple Mediterranean feel to your garden with Cretan Pots
There are not many of us that know much about Cretan Pots, where they came from or how they first originated however what we do know is that they look simply beautiful in our gardens. The add a very stylsih and unique focal point to any garden design.
So, where do they originally come from?
Their heritage dates back to the infamous Greek civilization of the Minoans over 4000 years ago. Traditional techniques are still be used today by the potters from the Thrapasano region of Crete. The use of the traditional techniques are emphasized to make pots and pithoi (Pithos (plural pithoi) originally referred to a large storage jar of a characteristic shape. The word was at one point used by western classical archaeologists to mean the jars uncovered by excavation in Crete and Greece; it has now been taken into the American English language as a general word for a storage jar from any culture).
The creators take exceptional amount of pride when they create these wonderful pieces. A genuine 100% authentic Cretan Pot will be completely handmade, making each pot very unique. Essentially the pots are all made from local clay which is carefully sourced from various surrounding mountain areas and then hand thrown on the wheels which are then heated in a special kernel at over 1150c. Even 4000 years ago they were thinking about economically friendly ways as the kernels all use the islands olive harvest to fuel the blazing fires. Because of the ridiculously high temperatures that the kernels it helps guarantee exceptional quality, durability. Back in the day, these large pithoi pots were used for storing olive oil, wine and honey etc whilst the smaller pots stored olives, pickles, cheese and salt and so on.
Well, there is a little history lesson for all of you who were really wondering where these magnificent pots originated.
Many Cretan Pots are now available as a water feature for your garden, so they add that extra wow factor. Our most popular Cretan Pot is the Demeter Cretan Pot which is a stunning water feature that is 100% hand thrown and frost proof terracotta cretan self contained water feature made to the highest quality.
It truly is amazing that after all these years; we are still including them in our gardens today. 100% handmade Cretan pots are a brilliant and stunning addition to any garden design whether they are a contemporary or traditional designed garden a Cretan pot will add a brilliant focal point. Oh, and now after reading this blog you will be able to sit in your garden and show off your knowledge about Cretan pots next time you have people over for a glass of wine or two now that these lighter and warmer spring nights are sweeping in.
