The clay of the earth translated into ceramics and porcelain is an ancient art in all world cultures. Celtic design in its earliest form dates back to 500 BC-100AD. Referred to as "early Celtic art" or "La Tene Art", from Ireland to Romania, decorative objects were made in a variety of metals, primarily bronze and gold. In the 19th century, many of these objects were found in an archaeological expedition at La Tene, in Switzerland.
Translations of Greek and Roman motifs were found in the swirls, knots, and stylized plants, birds, and animals on the decorative objects. There is little evidence of these stylistic designs on ceramics or pottery however the Prunay vase (400-350BC, British Museum collection) from Marne, France is decorated in the swirling patterns of La Tene Celtic art. The Prunay vase was thrown on a potter wheel but in Britain pots would not be wheel made for at least another 300 years.
Later Celtic art was a reinterpretation of the early La Tene motifs, most notably by Irish monks in the 7th -9th century who produced the illuminated religious manuscripts throughout Ireland, Scotland, and England. The Book of Kells, the Lindisfarne Gospels, and the Book of Durrow are three of the most famous of the manuscripts. Intricate interlaced knotwork and zoomorphic serpents, birds, and animals characterize this work.
These designs were produced on a variety of utilitarian and decorative pieces of porcelain or ceramic throughout Scotland, Ireland, and England. During the 18th century, all three areas developed porcelain production into a fine art that still exists today. Beautiful pottery and earthenware is handcrafted from the fine clays of the Scottish highlands or the countryside in Ireland and England. At Cara Magnus Celtic, we bring you pieces of porcelain or ceramic selected for their history and meaning, their beauty, and the quality of the craftsmanship from all the Celtic lands.
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