The clay – known as barro negro – from which these table lamps are made is exclusive to the Sierra Madre mountains in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Local legend holds that the clay is blessed.
The deep, inky color is the result of the unique properties of this indigenous clay combined with a firing process in which the smoke and heat — and deprivation of oxygen — creates an intense carbonization effect.
Prior to being fired in an underground, wood-burning pit, the pieces are meticulously burnished with a curved quartz stone, marking the clay with a subtle sheen.
Created in collaboration with maestro Amando Pedro, our long time friend and collaborator, in his workshop in San Bartolo Coyotepec, we drew inspiration for the shape from ancient cántaros, the traditional vessels used to transport and store mezcal.
