You know that moment when something small takes your breath away for a quick second? Well, that’s how I felt when I saw the green ceramic candlestick holders on June Diane Raphael and Paul Scheer’s dining room table in Architectural Digest this past April. Immediately thought, “OH, I WANT THOSE” although truthfully in no world does my one-bedroom apartment need another candlestick holder or candelabra (I talk about my mild obsession here). Nonetheless, I knew I needed to keep an eye out because they were just special. Fast forward to me seeing variations of these green beauties on Jayson Home and then later featured in two homes designed by designers I LOVE and very much consider trendsetters. But here’s the thing, these special, beautiful, no-two-are-alike pieces are anything but new or “trendy”. Sure, they may have only come into focus for me this year but this kind of pottery has been around for centuries.
It’s called Tamegroute pottery because they come from the town of Tamegroute, Morocco and their green glaze is not only unique to the area due to the region’s natural materials but the exact way of how they achieve it is also a secret passed down from father to son. The clay is also only collected from the Draa Valley in which holes are dug up because the surface material is too sandy. So ya, “special” is a very accurate way to describe them. I was able to take a quick trip to Marrakesh in 2019 and let’s just say I will be going back. We learned about so many amazing places that we were kinda devasted we had to leave. Tamegroute has been added to the list:)
Now, for a little explanation of how that beautiful green glaze is created a concoction “composed of kohl, copper, a dry rock plus a barley soup, all these ingredients are crushed and then kneaded.” Thank you to Tamegoute Ceramic for this piece of information! Nothing about this process is simple but the result creates a piece of art that will hopefully be passed down and cared for for generations! If I end up purchasing a piece you bet whoever ends up getting all of my things in the end will know its significance.
I hope that you are ready to fall in love with this pottery (unless you are already aware) because I think it’s impossible not to.
If you click over to slide three, this was the photo that first got me. The shapes are unique but understated, the color has just enough pop to add some excitement to a room, and I just love that each one is individually made. This is the green I want in my home! Also, Lafayette Studio, who designed this home, did such a stunning job. Go look at the whole article!
And here they are again, but this time EHD beloved designer, Heidi Caillier, decided to add another tone of green to this dining table, contrasting the very “traditional” style of the space. I love how they add to the space but they also feel like a cool surprise.
Now, while candlestick holders and candelabras are at the core of this pottery, vases and sculptures are also a massive part. Nina Farmer (of which I am a big ole fangirl) not only used to an INCREDIBLE vase on the dining table, but if you scroll to the next shot you will see an unbelievable collection of pieces. They hit you square in the heart!
Moroccan art and design has had an insurmountable effect on the design world. Textiles to tiles to glassware to baskets, you name it. So it only makes sense that despite its ancient roots, Tamegroute pottery may be popping up on our feeds and in magazines more and more. Speaking of that, let’s get into some shoppable options. Even if you just want to window shop:)
Single Candlestick Holder | Moroccan Vintage Tamegroute Candlestick Holder (Set of 3)
If you loved the first two photos then these candlesticks are the same (well, similar:)) ones. I love the idea of buying a set like the one on the right so it’s more of a collection. Either way, you can’t lose! Just make sure to check the shipping costs since most of them are coming from overseas.
Small Abstract Candlestick Holder | Candle Holders | Vintage Tamegroute Candlestick Holder
If you’re looking for something with a different shape, may I suggest these more abstract ones? With these, they can clearly be used as intended, as candlestick holders, but they also can easily be displayed as ceramic sculptures. Anyone who comes into your home will undoubtedly comment on how special they are. That big one in the middle is calling my name!
Tamegroute Vase | Tamegroute Pottery Glaze Vase | Tamegroute Pottery Glazed Wide Mouth Vase
But as I said, candlesticks aren’t the only players in the game. LOOK AT THESE VASES! If you’re someone who prefers simpler lines then the handled vase could be your perfect match! But if you love a more unique, abstract look then the vase in the middle is for you. I truly believe there is something for everyone’s style.
Vintage Pedestal Fruit Bowl | Zohra Footed Bowl
We’ve got bowls too and if you know EHD you know we love a footed bowl. I love the pointed trim of the piece on the left as much as I love the simplicity of the lines on the bowl on the right.
If you click the links you’ll notice that nearly all of them take you to Etsy. I really tried to find the shops that say that they support the local community in Tamegroute. But then a few are from Jayson Home (as I mentioned in the beginning) who also work directly with craftsmen in Tamegroute.
Large Candle Holder | Zohra Pottery F
Ok, here are more spectacular pieces! I’m a bit at a loss for how to describe these adequately. If I had the dollars and space, that large beauty on the right would be coming home with me. I might keep saying that about each and every one of these. OOPS! 🙂
3 Arm Candle Holder | Green Tall Candle Holder | Moroccan Tamegroute Abstract Sculpture
As I researched more about these pieces, I realized that these ancient shapes have been “replicated” by many others. Don’t these pieces look a little familiar to new products on the market??? Well, now you know where they come from and support the communities who created them. That 3 Arm Candle Holder is the best!
Zohra Pottery B | Unique Moroccan Vintage Tamegroute Large Ceramic Vase
Thought I’d end with these gorgeous pieces. Any home would be lucky to have them:)
We’ve come to the end. I hope you either learned something, were inspired, or maybe got an extremely special new piece for your home. Heck, maybe all three! The more we learn about the history behind the art and other pieces we buy, the more meaningful it becomes.
Love you, mean it.
THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED HERE.
