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Hippopotamus of the Nile Valley

90,00 €

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Finish Original Glossy glazed

Quantity

1 in stock

Terracotta reproduction of a Hippopotamus from the Nile Valley
Egyptian art, Middle Kingdom

Handmade in Brittany, France
Hand-decorated

Dimensions : H 18 x W 10 x D 7 cm

Poids : 0.75 kg

SKU:Eg 003 006a

Material: Terracotta

Used for thousands of years, terracotta can be used to create pieces as close as possible to the originals.

Unlike plaster or resin, terracotta is heavier, more fragile and more difficult to work with, but the finesse of the material, the feel and the finishing possibilities all combine to create exceptional pieces with a soul.

Decors and finishes

All pieces are hand-decorated by our skilled craftsmen.

We use two methods for decoration and finishing, which vary from piece to piece:

- Engobe decoration: this is one of the oldest techniques used to decorate ceramics. It consists of clay to which color pigments are added. The possibilities are endless. It enables fine, precise decoration, but does not protect or solidify the ceramic.

Glaze decoration: Difficult to work with, glaze is used to add a transparent or colored layer of glass to ceramics. This mineral-based layer waterproofs the pieces and makes them more resistant. Colored enamels give vivid colors and incomparable brilliance.

Handcrafted Bretagne, France

All our pieces are made in our workshop in Brittany, France, by a team of skilled craftsmen.

For almost 20 years, men and women with golden hands have been perpetuating the ceramic know-how of this family business.

Manufacturing on demand

Don't have enough stock of the part you want?

No problem! We make pieces directly to order.

Please note that there is a manufacturing lead time, which varies from piece to piece.

If you would like to order a large quantity, please contact us by telephone or email.

Cleaning and care

The pieces can be easily dusted with a soft cloth or feather duster, for example.

Note that pieces decorated with engobe are waxed and patinated to give them a more or less shiny historical appearance.

Secure and eco-responsible packaging

All the parts are packed with the utmost care, and sometimes double-packed to ensure they are transported without breakage.

We mainly use recyclable cardboard for our packaging. Depending on the item, bubble wrap may be used for extra protection.

Delivery and Returns

Delivery in France and abroad with ‘breakage’ guarantee against signature only.

Returns within 14 days.

Consult the frequently asked questions for more information, instructions and return conditions.

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Date and origin

2000 BC, Middle Kingdom
Egypt

Original conservation site

MET Museum, USA

A little history about the Nile Valley Hippopotamus

For the Egyptians, the incarnation of a god in an animal was no accident.
The hippopotamus was feared for its enormous size, voracity and unpredictability. The Egyptians were keen observers and noticed the animal's contradictory behaviour. While it was capable of defeating the Nile crocodile, itself the incarnation of the god Sobek, the crocodile's female showed a great sense of maternal instinct. She was therefore soon venerated as the goddess of fertility and the family, "Thueris", the Great One, depicted standing and pregnant.
The male was found especially in the tombs of the Middle Kingdom, represented as a round hump, carved in stone or in blue-green earthenware, peacefully lying down, sitting with his mouth wide open or, like this one, standing up, so that he could protect the deceased; but the Egyptians took care to break three of his legs so that he would not turn against them in one of his fits of anger.

Unique know-how and excellence

Memento Temporï workshop

Model creation
Whether it's from photos or a printed 3D scan, it all starts with sculpting the model that will be used to make the mould.
Mould making
Plaster moulds are made from the sculpture. Depending on the piece, the mould is more or less complex: 2 or more parts.
Casting and cleaning
Clay is poured into the mould. When the thickness is ideal, the excess is emptied. The piece can then be removed from the mould and cleaned.
Firing the piece(s)
When the piece is dry, it is fired a first time. The result is a ceramic bisque ready for decoration.
Decorations
The decorations are created using engobe (pigmented clay) or glaze (a transparent or coloured layer of glass), as close as possible to the originals.
Finishes
Depending on the piece, it is returned to the kiln before the finishes touches: base, wax, patina, etc. to give it a unique historical look. The piece is finished and packaged.