Behind the scenes: This is how our stoneware is created

We have always wanted to have something unique in our shop, something very special: our Steingut products. After a long search, a few years ago we found a wonderful manufactory in Portugal that fulfills this wish for us. They lovingly handcraft our Steingut products such as the Becher, bowls, and cups. Today we want to take you step by step and show how these products actually come into being and why they are so special to us.

Everything starts with the clay: it is first shaped into the appropriate form. For this, it is rolled and cut so that our master potter already holds the rough shape of a Cup in his hand. 

Afterwards, the mass goes to the potter's wheel so that our master potter can make the Cup. With lots of water, patience, and skilled hands, small unique pieces are created here every day.

As you can see, the tape measure is always used here again so that all Cups get approximately the same size. 

The Cups now get a little rest time in the fresh air. After about a day, a special moment follows: the stamping. Under each Cup you will find our Eulenschnitt logo – and on the front a lovingly selected saying that may accompany you through the day. Before continuing, the Cups are gently corrected once more with a sponge. Small unevennesses are smoothed, edges refined – this is how your Cup gets its final, characteristic shape. 

If you buy a cup and not a Cup from us, the handle is also attached at this moment. For this, the clay is rolled and cut and then attached at the correct angle with great finesse. 

Now the first long drying process in the drying room and then the first visit to the kiln are due. At around 1000 degrees, the clay becomes hard and stable. Only when the Cup has really hardened and cooled can the Glazing (the white rim at the top of your Cup) take place. 

Finally, the Glazing! The Cups are gently dipped into a specially prepared liquid made just for us and softly swirled. This step requires a lot of sensitivity, as the right amount determines the final appearance.

Maybe you’ve already noticed: the fine brown speckles look a little different on each Cup. They are part of the glazing – and depending on how the Cup is dipped, the speckles spread more densely or more finely. This way, each piece becomes a little unique.

Doesn’t the Cup already look quite special now?

Then it’s time: back into the kiln once more! In this second firing phase, the clay changes – depending on where the Cup is in the kiln, it becomes a bit yellower or grayer. Each piece thus becomes its very own little work of art.

Now the Cups can rest and cool down properly for several days. Where better than in Portugal? 

Finally, another quality check follows – each piece is inspected, finely sanded by delicate hands, and lovingly prepared for shipping. The packages are folded and the Cups carefully packed.

About 7 days pass from the first rolling to the packaging. A week full of handcraft, dedication, and Portuguese lifestyle. Now the many unique pieces can make their way to Germany. Safe travels ♥️

We hope that with every Cup, every bowl, every plate, and of course every other unique piece made of stoneware, we send a piece of Portugal to your home. Hopefully, you hear the sound of the waves in between, feel the warm sun on your skin, and occasionally catch the scent of fresh, still warm Natas in your nose.

Your Rina from Eulenschnitt 🖤