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The Turtle
The Turtle
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The Turtle

€75.00

Celtic Mask – Jerpoint Abbey:
Inspired by the enduring wisdom of the turtle, this Celtic mask pays tribute to the historic Jerpoint Abbey, artfully crafted to celebrate Ireland’s timeless heritage and the beauty of nature.


Size:
Height – 14cm
Width – 23cm

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Description

The Turtle of Jerpoint – a charming ceramic masterpiece inspired by the enigmatic turtle found at Jerpoint Abbey, a historic site located in County Kilkenny, Ireland. This statue captures the delightful essence of the turtle, meticulously crafted with intricate details and textures that celebrate Ireland’s rich artistic traditions.

Skillfully created by the renowned Irish potter Julia Fink, this piece showcases her exceptional artistry and dedication to preserving Ireland’s cultural heritage. From the gentle curves of the turtle’s shell to the delicate features of its limbs and head, The Turtle of Jerpoint brings to life the whimsical charm of Ireland’s storied past and adds a touch of enchantment to any space.

Whether you are a collector of exquisite ceramics, a lover of Irish culture, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of handcrafted pottery, The Turtle of Jerpoint is a delightful addition to your collection. Displayed in a special place in your home or garden, this piece constantly reminds you of the magic and wonder of Ireland’s artistic legacy.

Making one mask is a long process and can take up to 2 weeks. I use stoneware clay which means that the clay is fired at a much higher temperature than earthenware which makes it frost safe.

The first step is to sculpt the head itself which is the used to make a plaster mold. This plaster mold then is used to press the clay into and produce the different types of heads.

The clay is then pressed into the mold and left in the mold for 24 hours until some of the moisture is absorbed and it becomes easier to loosen the clay head from the mold.

The clay heads then need to dry for up to a week. When completely dry they are sanded around the edges and loaded into the kiln for their bisque fire, which takes up to 14 hours. This is a firing that heats the heads to 1000°C. The kiln then takes almost 2 days to cool down so that the door can be opened.

If the door is opened beforehand thermal shock occurs and the clay pieces may crack. After this the heads are no longer brittle and are highly moisture absorbent. This is when the pieces are glazed and returned to the kiln for the second firing called the glaze fire. This also takes between 11 and 14 hours and the kiln take almost 2 days to cool down before the door can be opened and the finished pieces can be admired.

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