ABOUT THE WORK
The family hearth "THREADS" is a handmade ceramic object designed for the wedding fire-passing ritual. Its name and form speak of connection, continuity, and what is created not immediately, but gradually, from many interconnected threads. It is a work in which the ceremonial purpose is combined with the idea of a home symbol.
History
The family hearth "GIJOS" is created as a symbolic object of the wedding ritual, but its meaning does not end with the moment of the ceremony. After the celebration, it remains in the home as a symbol of memory.
The name "THREADS" is important here not as a decorative intention, but as the main idea of the work. A thread means connection, continuity, a connection between people, generations and experiences. A family is also created from many invisible threads: closeness, care, responsibility, patience and being there. It is they who create the common fabric of life.
The symbol of the family hearth is associated with the warmth, security, and togetherness of home in many cultures. In the Lithuanian tradition, passing the fire to newlyweds signifies not only a wish to create their own home, but also a silent reminder to protect what is fragile and alive.
This piece talks about continuity.
The handmade hearth "GIJOS" can be perceived as a meaningful gift for newlyweds - not only for the wedding day, but also for the long story of their life together. It is an object that reminds us that closeness is built from small but strong mutual connections.
Combination ideas
The work can be displayed on a console, shelf, chest of drawers or festive table in a space where not only decoration is important, but also the symbolic value of the object. It is a work that does not need additional props nearby, because its strength lies in the restraint of form and idea.
Occasion
Wedding gift | Gift for new arrivals | Meaningful housewarming gift
CARE OF CHAMOMILE SCULPTURES AND INTERIOR DECORATIVE ITEMS
Fine-grained chamotte sculptures, due to their often more porous, often unglazed surface, are more sensitive to abrasion, dirt absorption, and improper wet cleaning; the most important prevention: dry cleaning.
Precious metal lusters (gold, platinum, palladium, etc.) have a thin overglaze coating, fired at a lower temperature, and are therefore more vulnerable to abrasives and friction; it is recommended to maintain such decors gently, by hand, without scrubbing.
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
Chamotte is a high-temperature fired and crushed clay material that is mixed into the mass. It reduces drying/firing shrinkage, helps dry more evenly, and can increase resistance to thermal stresses (especially in larger-shaped items), but can also leave the surface with a more porous and "receptive" texture (especially if unglazed).
This maintenance is intended for fine-grained chamotte sculptures, interior decor items (often more massive forms), which may be unglazed or partially/glazed.
CLEANING
Dry cleaning (basic method): remove dust with a soft brush and „drive“ it into a vacuum cleaner with minimal suction. Do not use rough cloths - this increases the risk of scratches and fading of the decor.
Wet cleaning only exceptionally: „washing“ or soaking is not recommended – especially if there is porosity, old repairs or unclear condition. If it is necessary (e.g. sticky dirt), consult a specialist first.
COMPARISON OF MATERIALS
| Material | Decor | Is it dishwasher safe? | Recommended cleaning | Risks |
| Fine fraction chamotte | There is no luster. | No | Dry cleaning: soft brush, vacuum cleaner with minimum suction; wet cleaning – only exceptionally | Surface stains from grease/touch; scratched |
| Fine fraction chamotte | Precious metal luster (local) | No | Minimal contact: dry, ultra-gentle wiping | Measuring polished areas; damage to decorative coating |
Gilding/luster is a thin overglaze layer, easily damaged by abrasion and will wear away over time if not properly maintained.
LITERATURE
SIO-2. (n.d.). What is grog and what is it used for? https://www.sio-2.com/gb/blog/tips-information/what-is-grog-and-what-is-it-used-for
National Park Service. (2008). Museum handbook: Ceramics. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/museums/upload/08-01_508.pdf
Canadian Conservation Institute. (n.d.). Care of ceramics and glass. https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care-ceramics-glass.html
Lithuanian National Museum of Art. (nd). Pranas Gudynas Restoration Center – activities. https://www.lndm.lt/struktura/pgrc_veikla/
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