Barro Preto ( Black Ceramic) has been present in Portugal for centuries, but unfortunately, with time it has become a dying art.

Barro Preto
Our story with ceramic started in the town of Vila Real, where I (Gil) took my degree. While making a documentary for a school project about the potters of the region, more specifically Bisalhães, a small village near Vila Real. During the research, I came to discover that it was actually a practice that dates back several centuries is not only typical of Vila Real but in many regions of Portugal.

Ceramic Wheel
Being surrounded by all the history and tradition I became passionate about preserving the concept and art that is associated with the Barro Preto. Now, this practice is sadly entering extinction not only in Vila Real, to all over Portugal. This is why we started this Kickstarter project.

Why The Black Color?
The characteristic black color of the clay smothering the ceramic in the final stage of cooking, preventing the entry of oxygen.

“Soenga” Part of the Traditional Cooking Process
“Soenga” Part of the Traditional Cooking Process
Traditionally the cooking was done in a Soenga,a shallow outdoor pit. The distinct black color is a result of the cooking process that removes the oxygen, alongside the type of porous clay used.

Traditional Oven
Why Choose Preto Ceramic?
-100% natural earthenware
-Can maintain the temperature of food or liquids for a long period longer for both cold and hot
-Sustainable, the piece will last you generations.
-Preserve the history and tradition of Portugal
-Beautiful rare aesthetic

The ceramic is a high fire flameware, ideal for oven use. It can take temperatures as high as a pizza oven. Care for your flameware by soaking it in water prior to use to increase the moistness of the dish. All the pieces are unglazed. Use wood or plastic utensils and non-abrasive scrubber for cleaning. Hand-wash only to preserve your Barro Preto.

Barro Preto in History
Located next to the city of Tondela, the village of Molelos is characterized by an old handmade activity, the crockery of black clay.

The productions of clay did not only live by themselves, but also by the context from which they originate and by the role they may have played. The black clay of Molelos and from other places in Portugal was consecrated through its utilitarian function in the daily life of the populations.

Embraced the mission of avoiding the extinction of Barro Preto in Portugal, bring this ancient art to the world with the help of Kickstarter.