Ceramic lamp base · Fayoum · Ivory

Sculptural ceramic lamp base featuring raised white leaf impressions on warm terracotta clay with smooth cream glaze on the neck—a tactile piece that combines traditional Fayoum craftsmanship with functional home décor.

Story. Life in the farming village of Tunis in the oasis of Fayoum took a dramatic turn in the 80s, when Swiss-born potter, Evelyne Porret, decided to make the sleepy village her home. Before long, Evelyne and her husband, Michel Pastore, opened the Fayoum Pottery School, inspiring the children of the village to tap into their creative potential and take on a life path different than the one the oasis had till then to offer. Today, those children and others taught by them thrived and opened their own workshops, exhibiting true artistic talent and reverence for their mentor.

Although pottery-making was widespread in Egypt already in Pharaonic times, throughout the years the decreasing demand had led to an almost complete disappearance of the craft. Evelyne and Michel revived old techniques and inspired the children of Tunis to put their magic into form. Clay from the Nile Valley in Aswan and natural dyes now give life to vibrant scenes where palms, birds and people are glazed into joyful eternity. Special glazes and even the Japense raku technique are becoming ubiquitous among the artisans of Fayoum.

Maker. Abd el-Sattar was a student of Evelyne Porret and among the first to open his own workshop. An avid learner and fascinated by the never-ending paths of ceramics, Abd el-Sattar has continuously experimented with new techniques and materials. Metallic lusters and raku finishes are among his favourites, but his pursuit of novelty and originality continues. He works in his workshop along his brother Saleem who has developed his own distinctive style, and his son Abduh who is keen to learn the craft from his father.