Created in the town of Chulucanas in northern Peru using techniques developed in pre-Inca times, this striking ceramic piece in traditional black and white is thrown and smoothed entirely by hand. A white slip is applied to the exterior, then the piece is fired. Piece is dipped in liquid clay, which is rubbed away only in the areas the artisan wishes to be blackened. The piece is then smoked multiple times with mango leaves to achieve the rich black color, and fired a second time. The now-hardened liquid clay is then carefully removed to reveal the white slip below. Piece is waxed to a smooth finish, and many retain a slightly smoky scent for years to come.
