Mug · Fayoum · Red and blue

Ceramic mug featuring expressive hand-painted floral motifs in rich burgundy red with touches of blue on an off-white base. Made on a potter's wheel with a comfortable curved handle, this piece showcases the vibrant, artistic style of Fayoum pottery. The glossy glaze and bold botanical design make it perfect for daily use.

The Craft. Made from clay sourced from the Nile Valley in Aswan, these mugs are shaped on the potter's wheel and decorated with natural dyes that bring vibrant scenes to life. Palm fronds, birds and figures are glazed into joyful permanence using techniques revived by the Fayoum Pottery School. The artisans employ special glazes and even the Japanese raku technique, combining ancient Egyptian pottery traditions with contemporary methods. Each piece reflects the creative spirit of Tunis village, where pottery-making has been transformed from a nearly lost craft into a thriving artistic tradition.

The Heritage. Although pottery-making was widespread in Egypt during Pharaonic times, by the late 20th century decreasing demand had led to the craft's near disappearance. Life in the farming village of Tunis in the verdant Fayoum oasis took a dramatic turn in the 1980s when Swiss-born potter Evelyne Porret made the village her home. Together with her husband Michel Pastore, she opened the Fayoum Pottery School, inspiring the village children to tap into their creative potential. Today, those students have opened their own workshops, exhibiting true artistic talent and reverence for their mentor whilst keeping the ancient craft alive.

Maker. A student of Evelyne Porret, Mohamed Guma entered the Fayoum Pottery School as an eight-year old, after trading toy animals made from mud with Evelyne’s children. Mohamed is a prominent Fayoum potter and teacher, who has focused on developing his firing technique and a distinctive red glaze.