The Fuseruola is a small ceramic object with a spherical shape and a small hole in the middle.It has a very ancient origin; it has been found in tombs and remains of prehistoric dwellings dating from the Neolithic.
Scholars believe that they were used in textile art to balance the spindle during yarn making, keeping the thread tighter to achieve a more uniform result.In our territory, the rich tradition of Deruta’s ceramics has embellished these small objects with painting.
They become therefore beautiful miniatures to be gifted as a pledge of love.The fuseruole, in fact, were gifted to the bride along with the spindle. That’s why we find names or loving words alluding to virtues and qualities of the loved person.
Traditionally, these ceramic pearls, being part of the bridal set, were applied to embellish cushions, curtains, and table runners.Respecting this ancient tradition, today we use them as precious stone of our handmade jewelry.
Processing
In our laboratory, in the green heart of Italy, it all begins with the modeling of clay, a chemically magical material.
In fact, clay is an earth that is malleable in the presence of water but when the water evaporates it takes on a rigid and solid consistency.
When we pick it up to make our creations, the clay is moist, as we store it in a plastic coating to preserve its state.
We then create our balls patiently, so that they are smooth and without cracks.
Then we wait unhurriedly for the water to evaporate completely before submitting them to the next phase.
In fact, evaporating the water is essential to avoid splits and cracks. The clay becomes terracotta after the first firing, carried out in professional ovens at very high temperatures.
Before moving on to painting, the terracotta is glazed with a lead-free top coat. The enamelling has the purpose of waterproofing the porous spheres and favoring their decoration.
We then move on to the painting phase, my favorite, with which I give free rein to my imagination.
Unlike the classic technique of Deruta ceramics, dusting is not applicable on my pearls as the size does not allow it.
Each pearl is hand painted and no pearl is alike. Painting on ceramics is a complex and extremely engaging operation, especially considering that our spheres are very small and have a round surface.
It is in this phase that the fuseruola acquires a face, and it is in this moment that the idea of the jewel takes shape.
The final touch after coloring the object is the application of a vitreous compound of silicates and water, called crystalline.
This is a fundamental step that gives our pearls brilliance and resistance.
Now the spheres can be fired a second time, becoming properly ceramic pearls.
During the second firing, the previously applied crystalline will merge with the colors becoming transparent and the colors will change their initial appearance.
The fuseruole will then take on their distinctive brilliance with an explosion of colors typical of Deruta ceramics.
It is a long and laborious process where patience and passion are the main elements to obtain a result that in our opinion is surprising.
Hence, a centuries-old tradition made of earth, water, fire, colors and artist's hands adapts to today's world by creating unique handcrafted jewels.
