Sampere: A Handcrafted Signature Ceramics Workshop in the Empordà

Artisanship

Aug 23

Sampere: A Handcrafted Signature Ceramics Workshop in the Empordà Catalonia Spain

Sampere Ceramics is a local workshop established by two brothers in 2015. Diego and Nacho Sampere aimed to revive the traditional craft of handmade ceramics. Their brand represents a blend of tradition and avant-garde style. Tradition is reflected in their use of long-standing handcrafted techniques, while avant-garde is demonstrated through innovative designs and materials.

All pieces are crafted and manufactured in Sampere's local workshop located in La Bisbal d'Empordà, a town renowned for its long tradition of handmade ceramics.

Sampere's studio is situated in La Bisbal d'Empordà, Catalonia, the main town of the Baix Empordà region. Nearly all ceramic shops and workshops in the area are found along the popular Aigüeta Street, which has a long history dating back to the 18th century.

From the authentic facade of Sampere's creative space, decorated with small yellow and green tiles featuring floral patterns, it’s easy to see their contemporary style and unique flair even from the outside.

MEDITERRANEAN INSPIRATION

The landscapes, colors, and shapes of the Mediterranean influence the brand's artistic identity. Reflecting this, Sampere assigns names such as “stone,” “earth,” and “sea” to their glazes. Their ceramic collections predominantly feature shades of stone grey, aqua green, and earthy ochre, complemented by off-white and neutral black.

Nacho and Diego, originally from Barcelona, share a deep connection to the sea and Mediterranean cuisine. This natural bond led to the establishment of Sampere Ceramics in the Empordà region.

Their pieces seamlessly combine handcrafted quality, minimalism, elegance, and functionality. The core of their timeless ceramic sets includes a variety of plates, bowls, trays, saucers, and cups in different sizes and earthy tones.

CREATIVE PROCESS AND SUSTAINABILITY

The creative process at Sampere Ceramics is uniquely tailored and handcrafted, emphasizing a sustainable approach. Diego Sampere leads his own ceramics brand, constantly ideating new designs and innovative techniques.

Creating a piece can require up to 200 hours of work, from design to the final glaze fired at 1,260ºC. This traditional artisan process produces unique, highly durable pieces made from high-quality stoneware.

The vitrified surfaces and matte finish of Sampere's tableware distinguish the brand's unique character from conventional ceramics manufacturers.

In addition to tableware, their notable project, Gaia, is designed for plant and gardening enthusiasts. The Gaia collection includes a vertical urban garden and a self-watering pot made of red clay and recycled glass from wine bottles. With a strong focus on sustainability, Sampere created Gaia for those who enjoy growing plants at home in reduced spaces without wasting water.

SAMPERE'S WORKSHOP

Sampere's Ceramics shop and workshop share the same space at Aigüeta Street, 49. At the back, the working area, with a marked industrial style, is usually packed with plaster molds used to create some of their tableware designs. At the front, the showroom welcomes visitors with a stunning aqua-green color on the walls that resembles the Mediterranean landscapes in the Empordà.

Their designs leave the small studio in La Bisbal d'Empordà to take part in the daily lives of homes and restaurants from near and far. The two brothers, passionate about handmade ceramics and gastronomy, are proud to have their signature tableware in 50 Michelin-star restaurants worldwide.