Having learned the practice of experimental archeology from her father, Sardinian artisan Karmine Piras, Maria Paola is well-versed in techniques that come from the prehistoric Nuragic times. She has transformed this knowledge into a practice that marries her passion for research to her exceptional manual capabilities.

Maria Paola studies ancient forms of vessels found throughout the island and then reinterprets them, choosing a specific mix of clays for each form. Each shape is painstakingly created by hand using the coil technique and then baked in a wood-fired clay oven. Rather than using glazes, Paola either stone polishes her pieces (creating a mystical, almost metallic finish) or treats them with a series of waxes. The unique patina of each object is both ancient and otherworldly.

Before Zero is Maria Paola’s first collection, presented exclusively by Pretziada. It is an astoundingly complete and mature debut.

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Material: Wood-fired clay Finishes: Stone Polished, Beeswax All measurements are approximate as each vase is handmade by our artisans.

Handmade in Sardinia, Italy.