The Cretan jars and urns are handcrafted from a ball of clay by skilled potters in central Crete. This is an ancient tradition where each jar or urn has its own history and character.
Cretan pithoi are fired in a traditional kiln at 1150°C which secures a very high quality and makes them more frost resistant.
Look at this Minoan jar (pithos) at The British Museum from about 1450-1400 BC, a testament to the enduring beauty and quality of the Cretan pithoi.

Care tips

Cretian clay jars and urns will age beautifully. If weathered for many years they will gain in character. With time moss and algae will colonize the clay. This is part of the natural ageing process.
For extra caution protect your urns and jars from frost by moving them into a shed or wrapping them up with fleece, bubble wrap or sacking. This is especially important for urns and jars with delicate surface decorations.
Damaged clay jars and urns can always be repaired even if broken into many pieces. Many ancient pots that are still in use in gardens have been repaired several times. When lovingly repaired the pot will gain in history and character.
1. Always wear protective gloves in a well-ventilated area when handling epoxy glue or acetone.
2. Mix epoxy glue with some powdered clay of matching colour or sprinkle the powder on the glued surface.
3. Use acetone to remove excessive glue before it settles.
4. Gently sand with very fine sandpaper when the epoxy has hardened to improve the finish of the surface.