Melnā svēpētā māla keramikas ceplis “Bānītis”

Zvirbuļi, Daudzeva, Daudzeses pagasts, Aizkraukles novads, Latvija, LV-5111

We can say for sure about the "Bānītis" kiln in Daudzese parish - the owners, Ināra and Guntis Ozolinis, have their own special style.

The name "Bāņītis" comes from childhood memories of the "Little Bānīš", which made its last journey on 31 August 1972. In the past, the people of Daudzevo were privileged - from Daudzevo you could take a train to Jelgava.

For several years now, the craftsmen have been working in the kiln they have lovingly created - black ceramic vessels, lovingly made, lovingly filled and heated in the fire.

A little reminder of what black ceramics are:

Sintered ceramics are ecologically clean products;
Black slip is a traditional way of firing pottery in a fire kiln;
The black shade of the ware is produced at the end of the firing;
After 13-14 h and reaching 1000 degrees, the kiln is fired, a smoky environment is created and the vessels become saturated with carbon;
In the process, the vessels acquire a dark shade, which may range from grey-green to silvery black.

The craftsmen say that the shade is not always up to them, but also depends on the phases of the moon and other natural forces. There are also the occasional "tears" or shards of black pottery, and we have to accept that not everything that is made will survive the fire.

That is how mysterious and surprising the craftsmen's work with black slip pottery is.

If you are also interested in this craft, the owners will welcome you to their home in Daudzes, the birthplace of the small railway, if you make an appointment in advance!