The creation of a glazed ceramic piece – be it a table tray, a fireplace surround or a wall decoration – is a journey lasting several weeks, in which technical mastery meets artistic inspiration. At db-ceramics, based in Les Brosses d’Azérables, each piece is the result of meticulous craftsmanship and a profound transformation through heat.
The Selection of Raw Materials
It all begins with the choice of a fine, durable material. The pieces are crafted from a clay whose composition is very similar to that of the famous Limoges porcelain. This choice ensures not only aesthetic refinement, but also exceptional durability once the manufacturing process is complete.
Shaping and Slow Drying
Once the piece has been shaped to the desired geometry (round, square, oval or asymmetrical), it enters a critical phase: drying.
- A process that requires patience: Drying can take between 4 and 6 weeks.
- The objective : Allow the moisture to escape evenly to prevent warping or cracking before the fire test.
- Preparation : This stage prepares the material for its final structural transformation in the furnace.
3. Mastering Fire: Cooking at 1300°C
The substrate is then fired at a high temperature of around 1300°C.
- Vitrification : At this temperature, the ceramic paste becomes denser and vitrifies, revealing its hardness and resistance to impact and scratches.
- Immutability : This process makes the object resistant to the elements, frost and temperature fluctuations, allowing it to be used both indoors and outdoors.
4. Hand-Enamelling: The Moment of Revelation
Glazing is the stage at which the craftsman gives the piece its distinctive visual and sensory character.
- Handcrafted application : Each piece is hand-glazed, creating unique textures and striking depths of colour.
- Variety of renderings : The process can produce glossy or matt finishes, plain colours or complex effects such as ‘trésaillage’ or marbled finishes.
- Protection and Aesthetics : Enamel provides a luxurious finish, chemical stability and a hygienic surface that is easy to clean.
5. Opening the Oven and Finishing
Opening the kiln is described as a moment of surprise and revelation. It is at this very moment that the material, transformed by the heat, reveals its final colours and patterns.
- Signature : Each piece is signed by the craftsman.
- Authenticity : A certificate of authenticity accompanies each piece, guaranteeing its quality, traceability and uniqueness.
Media for All Purposes
Thanks to this rigorous process, db-ceramics substrates are suitable for a wide range of applications:
- Furniture : Durable table tops for living rooms or patios.
- Architecture : Heat-resistant fireplace surrounds.
- Decoration : Artistic wall decorations or garden features.
By combining the tradition of the art of fire and high temperatures with contemporary design, db-ceramics transforms raw material into an exceptional object that will stand the test of time.
