Fornace Romana Collection

In 1987 near Maranello, in the Torre delle Oche area, the remains of an ancient Roman kiln (from the 2nd century B.C.) were discovered. It produced amphorae and terracotta objects.
Excavation works, to which Iris Ceramica made an important contribution, unearthed the whole system and allowed the production area to be reconstructed in an atmospheric, animated plastic model.
The remains are now on display in the Modena Archaeological Museum.
Ceramic inspired by ancient objects:
The discovery, which proved that clay objects had been made in the area for millennia, was celebrated in 1990 by Iris Ceramica with the creation of Fornace Romana, a large range of ceramics inspired by the colours and surfaces of ancient artefacts. The appearance and feeling of an ancient material combined with a modern, high-tech heart, summarising the link between past and present.
A case study of ceramic marketing:
The collection, developed in a wide range of sizes and accessories, was a first not only for the material but also for an important marketing campaign, one of the first examples of a ceramic collection born around a ‘concept’ and developed through ‘storytelling’, many years before these became fashionable ideas.
The heirs to a millennia-old culture.
Valorising the ceramic culture of the local area has been one of Iris Ceramica’s main priorities ever since it was founded.
The ancient kiln that was discovered is both the proof and symbol of a continuity that has lasted two thousand three hundred years.
Thanks to its special sensitivity, this archaeological discovery did not remain in a museum, but was transformed into business culture.
Understanding the value of the link between past and present is vital to increasing awareness, pride and a sense of belonging in those who are ideally called upon to continue this work today. In the same way, those who purchase modern ceramic can appreciate the fact that it contains the value of millennia-old culture and heritage.