When thinking about ceramics painted by hand, the first idea coming into mind is certainly something old, out of fashion, something you would not choose to have in your shelves or source for your business.

Illustrated floral motifs or fruity patterns painted by hand using kitschy color combinations and glossy finishes. This was the recipe used for many years, and with which even Arfai has exported thousands and thousands of pieces back on the company’s foundation years. Today – after a period where hand painting simply disappeared, being replaced by various glazing decorations – this technique is back, but of course, in a renovated way.

More value is given to what is handmade

As a reaction to the oversaturation of mass-production goods, we are watching a return to the artisanal: consumers do understand the value of craft and traditional techniques, recognizing the talent of the artisan behind. This tendency would naturally bring back to the spotlight manual processes, as hand painting itself.
Of course, in this art, a return to the past is not blind. The naïve and picturesque decorations we remember from our grandma´s are replaced by more creative ways of using the brush: abstract painting, where the unexpected result is the value of the imprint; painting techniques where the brush trace is the protagonist, and simple details where that final touch of the artisan’s hand makes the difference.

Here some examples:

Heavy brush technique, abstract.

Tone on tone applied with rough brushes

Glazed ceramics with final hand painted stripe (cold painting technique)

Wavy effect, obtained with brush

Have your own project?
Arfai has currently 10 experienced painters in-house, who have the skills, know-how, and talent to do almost any decoration using only their hands, colors and brushes. Contact us to know more.