Joining our artisan trip to Manamadurai
Two days, a potters’ village and a firing at dusk: what happens on our twice-yearly visit, and what it costs.
Why no two pieces match: what to expect from handmade
Small differences in colour, size and finish, and how to tell a natural variation from a fault when your parcel arrives.
Every product photo on our site shows one piece. The one you receive will be its sibling, not its twin. For first-time customers, this can be a surprise, so here is what to expect and what is a genuine fault.
Terracotta changes colour with the fire. Pots from the same kiln can range from orange to deep red-brown, and some carry darker patches where they sat closer to the flame. Sizes vary by a few millimetres, because each is thrown by hand on a wheel. Brass lamps cast in Nachiarkoil may show small pits on the surface or faint file marks underneath, signs that they were cast in sand moulds and finished by hand. Palm and kora baskets vary in the shade of the fibre and the spacing of the pattern, since each weaver works by eye.
These differences are why we name the maker on every tag. They are part of what you are buying, and they are not defects. A genuine fault is different: a crack that goes through the clay, a lamp that rocks on its base, a handle that comes loose, or a basket that is coming unwoven. Anything broken in transit is also a fault.
If something arrives damaged, please photograph it with the packing within 48 hours and send us the photos. We replace it free. If you are buying a set, such as three vases, and want them to match closely, mention it in the order notes, and we will choose the closest pieces from our stock before packing.
