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Pompei Cave Canem mosaic

220,00 €

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Finish Original

Quantity

We're out of stock, but we make to order!

Terracotta reproduction of a Cave Canem Pompei mosaic
Mediterranean Antiques, Roman

Handmade in Brittany, France
Hand-decorated

Dimensions : H 30 x W 23 x D 1.5 cm

Poids : 1.2 kg

SKU:Rom 002 009a

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

1st century CE
Roman

Original conservation site

Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy

A little history about the Pompei Cave Canem mosaic

The House of Orpheus is a Roman villa located in Pompeii, an ancient town in Italy that was destroyed by the eruption of the Vesuvius volcano in 79 AD. The Cave Canem mosaic (which means ‘Beware of the dog’ in Latin) is one of the villa's most famous.
In the case of the ‘Cave Canem’ mosaic, the use of red tesserae to represent the dog's tongue and eye gives a more realistic impression of the animal, adding a touch of bright colour and drawing the viewer's eye to these important parts of the image. In addition, the use of red tesserae in the Cave Canem mosaic is also a clever way of emphasising the ‘Beware of the dog’ warning, using the colour red to symbolise danger and caution.
The mosaic measures approximately 200 cm x 100 cm. It is dated to the first century AD, making it one of the oldest mosaics in Pompeii.
The original mosaic is currently in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy. However, a reproduction of the mosaic can still be found in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Pompei.

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.