Mermaid ceramic altar

Approximate measures 12 X 13 X 5 cm.

The origin of mermaids is ambiguous and obscure, although their mythology is common to different cultures. Mermaids are chimeras, which are hybrids between humans and animals and, until the 7th century, they were represented as creatures that represented as half-women, half-birds, and is this aerial nature which makes them capable of moving between worlds. Sirens are psychopompos entities and they escort souls to the afterlife. It was from the Middle Ages onwards that their funerary symbolism faded away.

This piece is entirely handmade by the artist using natural white clay and has been fired two times in a ceramic kiln at a temperature of between 900 and 1100 Celsius degrees. In the first firing (bisque) the ceramic pigments are settled and it is in the second firing that a layer of transparent glaze is applied, to achieve a shiny and waterproof finish. 

As it is a handmade product, each piece is unique and has unrepeatable characteristics that make it a true artwork. Some pieces may have slight irregularities and, in some cases, there may be minor variations in colors or finishings with respect to the photographs. Each piece in this shop is checked and selected for its quality. Glazed ceramic can be used for wall hanging inside the house or outdoors in the garden.

Each of the pieces is accompanied by a small leaflet on paper with an exclusive design. The leaflet comes in two languages (English/Spanish) and the texts depicted are a small summary of the research and symbolism behind each of the pieces.

* Precautions when hanging the pieces. Do not hit. It is recommended to hang it with a headless nail or with a thin rope. Make the hole on the wall before hanging.

*The pieces are sent in a double box with specific protective materials to provide the highest possible security in transport.