The Raku ceramics and the terracotta works by Roberto Arduini

The raku technique comes from Japan and starts in syntony with the Zen spirit. It shows the joy to experiment and to make some unique and special objects. The extraction of the red-hot object from the oven let you create definitely touching decorative effects. This technique was recently introduced into the occidental world. Roberto began to work with this technique and together with a group of friends he is engaged in making design objects and sculptures. Besides this type of material Roberto makes terracotta works using old local techniques.

At the Celletta you’ll be able to go into this matter and to see with your own eyes the works done.

On guest’s demand it is possible to organize basic courses of Raku ceramics or terracotta. The courses are given directly by Roberto, local craftsmen or artists. They are organized on demand and with a fixed number of participants.

The Bonsai

The origin of the trees cultivation in pots (Bon=pot, Sai=tree) date back to the mists of time. According to historical data the first trees to be put into pots, which let them survive and be transported, were the privileged exemplars in the Babylon gardens that Nabucodonosor made built for this Syrian wife who missed the beloved panoramas of her country of origin.

Very likely the need of keeping alive and transporting trees in pots is to be led back to the care practices of the errant physicians/herbalists in eastern China in the period from 2000 years ago to the end of the eighteenth century. Later the techniques to make these curious trees in pot smaller, developed out of necessity and by chance, were adopted and refined at esthetical and decorative levels thanks to the exchange of goods and culture with Japan, where the Bonsai techniques stopped to be barbarian and were raised to the highest peak of historical perfection reached till now.
First of all a bonsai must be in good health. It must convey vigour and not a disheartening loss of strength. The aesthetics merges with the needs of the tree. For the Japanese culture a fine bonsai is a small tree that communicates from an aesthetic point of view. (From the web site www.easybonsai.it)

At the Celletta it is possible to see the Bonsai collection, which Stefano takes care of, and who will let you know the bonsai art and care.