Perhaps a different perspective than you are used to from Ibiza, but we found it no less interesting (ceramics is, after all, very hip & happening): the age-old traditional ceramics from Sant Rafael. This was once THE village of ceramics. Many craft workshops had established themselves here and traditional Ibicenco ceramics were produced manually by local potters. There are now only 2 of these legendary workshops left. We (toddler and I) took a look.

We were the first to step inside Ceramica Can Kinoto, which once opened its doors in 1978. (Let's just say that this is not very convenient with a rebellious three-year-old toddler, but hey, sometimes the kid just has to get out) The small authentic building directly on the side of the there is/hangs/is completely packed with all kinds of fragile - off course because it's made of ceramic - treasures. Painted and graduated figurines/necklaces/plates/vases/jugs/bowls/bowls, even lamps and paintings. Each and every one of them is unique pieces, all manually put together by the sweet old lady behind the counter, who - despite the fact that the fear of her works of art was visible in her eyes - also gave the toddler a load of peppermint (probably at least as much). old) in his fists. Nice - toddler calm down. The lady -Carme Corominas, as it turned out, has the studio early 80s inherited from her husband and mastered the techniques of the profession in a completely self-taught manner, eventually becoming a master in her field. The studio is known for the way it decorates its works with extraordinary precision and in a completely unique way, with ethnically inspired, colorful, ornate patterns that are impossible to reproduce.

Her neighbor from a few doors down - Carlos Icardi - from Icardi Ceramica is at least as worth seeing. The good man opened his studio in 1977 and absolutely everything here is handmade, including the sign and cabinets. His work is just as authentic and traditional as that of his neighbor, but he has his own style. He works with many different age-old techniques and materials (once brought to the island by the Romans) and he experiments with different glazes. Here you will find art objects such as masks and wall objects, but also beautiful vases and jugs; high gloss combined with matte clay in -truly- the most fashionable color combinations, they are an absolute must-have for your home! Also impressive is the wall full of his acquired diplomas.

It is difficult to feel anything other than respect for these artisans who still honor age-old techniques and traditions. Whether you come for one real authentic souvenir, a new addition to your home or because you want to gain inspiration as a contemporary ceramist (who knows, maybe the toddler has learned something from it too ;-), a visit is, in our opinion, very worthwhile.

You can find a completely different (ceramic) cookie at Marieke, van Ceramaric ceramics, you can read about that here .

Love, Maud