ABOUT THE WORK
The family hearth "STRANDS" 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 strands. It is a work in which the ceremonial purpose is combined with the idea of a home symbol.
History
The family hearth "STRANDS" 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 sign of memory, connecting an important life transformation with what is created further in everyday life.
The name "STRANDS" is important here not as a decorative detail, but as the main idea of the work. A strand means connection, continuity, a connection between people, generations and experiences. A family is also made up of many invisible strands: closeness, care, responsibility, patience and being there. It is they who support 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, the passing of fire to newlyweds means not only a wish to create their own home, but also a silent reminder to protect what is fragile and alive. Therefore, this work speaks not only of the beginning, but also of continuity.
The handmade hearth "STRANDS" can be perceived as a meaningful gift for newlyweds - not only for the wedding day, but also for a longer story of their life together. It is an object that reminds us that closeness is built from small but strong strands of mutual support.
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 | For the fire passing ritual | Meaningful gift for newlyweds
CARE OF CHAMOMILE SCULPTURES AND INTERIOR DECORATIVE ITEMS
Fine-grained chamotte sculptures have a more porous and often unglazed surface, which makes them more sensitive to abrasion, to absorbing dirt and to unsuitable wet cleaning. The most important precaution is dry cleaning.Precious metal lustres (gold, platinum, palladium and similar) are a thin on-glaze layer fired at a lower temperature, so they are more vulnerable to abrasives and friction. Care for such decoration gently, by hand, without scrubbing.
MATERIAL PROPERTIESChamotte is clay that has been fired at a high temperature and ground down, then mixed back into the clay body. It reduces shrinkage during drying and firing, helps the piece dry more evenly and can increase resistance to thermal stress, especially in larger forms. At the same time it can leave the surface more porous and give it an absorbent texture, particularly where the piece is unglazed.These instructions apply to fine-grained chamotte sculptures and interior objects, often larger forms, which may be unglazed or partly glazed.
CLEANINGDry cleaning (the main method): lift the dust with a soft brush and guide it into a vacuum cleaner set to minimum suction. Do not use rough cloths, as they increase the risk of scratches and of the decoration losing its shine.Wet cleaning only in exceptional cases: washing or soaking is not recommended, especially where the surface is porous, where there are older repairs or where the condition is unclear. If it is unavoidable (for example, 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.
LITERATURESIO-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-forNational Park Service. (2008).
Museum handbook: Ceramics.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/museums/upload/08-01_508.pdfCanadian 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.htmlLithuanian National Museum of Art. (nd).
Pranas Gudynas Restoration Center – activities.
https://www.lndm.lt/struktura/pgrc_veikla/
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