Reimagining Terracotta – Cotto Manetti from Artedomus

Terracotta holds a rich history, dating back centuries. Finding popularity during the 1980s, the material has since seen a resurgence, and today, its textural qualities are celebrated as a means of reconnecting with both nature and traditional craftsmanship. For over 11 years, Italian brand Cotto Manetti has worked with Artedomus, producing terracotta in strict compliance with the ancient traditions of Impruneta.

“Since 1780, the Manetti family have been producing authentic terracotta tiles,” explains Phil Brenton, Managing Director of Artedomus. The clay in Impruneta is particularly rich in iron, extremely elastic and pliable, which contributes to the qualities that characterise Cotto Manetti terracotta. “The densest in the world, [the tiles] are uniquely robust, low porous and easy to look after, making them ideal for residential and commercial spaces,” Phil says.

For over 11 years, Italian brand Cotto Manetti has worked with Artedomus, producing terracotta in strict compliance with the ancient traditions of Impruneta.

Though proudly celebrating its rich and storied history, in alignment with a more modern aesthetic, Cotto Manetti produces a range of colourways, from the traditional burnt-orange to the more unexpected bronze-beige and darker hues. This has resulted in a burgeoning of creative applications within the design industry. “Terracotta was once predominantly used outdoors, but with a growing shift towards earthy, organic interiors, this hardworking material is now front and centre indoors,” Phil notes. “And with more terracotta colours, textures, finishes and tile shapes now available, designers are using them in endlessly creative ways.”

Artedomus works closely with Cotto Manetti to produce custom pieces alongside Australian designers and home owners. This includes adding natural pigments to the clay to create customised colourways and moulding the material into objects such as vases, pots and furniture. In collaboration with Internoitaliano, Cotto Manetti recently created a furniture range that encompasses the sculptural and outdoor-friendly Gioi table and Cave stools. Similarly, in 2022, Artedomus and Cotto Manetti launched a furniture and homewares collection, New Volumes Collection 02. A group of Australian creatives were asked to create a one-off piece using the Italian terracotta; the resulting tables, occasional chair, vase, wall light, planter and vessel are on display at Artedomus showrooms across Australia.

Though proudly celebrating its rich and storied history, in alignment with a more modern aesthetic, Cotto Manetti produces a range of colourways, from the traditional burnt-orange to the more unexpected bronze-beige and darker hues.

As the exclusive supplier of Cotto Manetti terracotta in Australia, Artedomus is experiencing firsthand the increasing interest in the range. “Italian and Japanese suppliers with long production histories have become the go-to choice for tiling,” says Phil. “With a rising preference for texturally layered homes that use idiosyncratic tile shapes and colours to add character and warmth, Artedomus’s Cotto Manetti terracotta tiles are in high demand.”