It’s earthy, imperfect and unmistakably Moroccan, even with so many incredible forms of pottery globally. Here’s why Tamegroute pottery holds a special place in our hearts and was the main color inspiration for our collections.

If you’ve browsed our instagram or visited our booth, you’ve probably seen the deep olive-green glaze and perfectly imperfect shapes of our Tamegroute pottery.

A few questions we get:

“What is this glaze?”
“Why does it look like this?”
“Can I use this piece every day?”

So today, I am sharing what makes this pottery so special  and why I believe it’s one of the most soulful, collectible types of Moroccan decor you can own.

It All Starts in a Small Village

Tamegroute (pronounced tam-eh-groot) is a village in southern Morocco, just at the edge of the Sahara. It’s known for its ancient Islamic library holding a 900+ year old Quran, palm-filled oases — and ion course, pottery.

This craft isn’t new. It’s been passed down through generations, often within the same families, using the exact same techniques. Hand-forming the clay, sun-drying it and firing it in traditional kilns built into the earth.

The Signature Green Glaze

Tamegroute’s most iconic feature is its glaze — a swampy, mossy, almost metallic green that can’t be replicated anywhere else. The color comes from a blend of copper oxide,  manganese and other natural minerals found in the local clay.

The exact formula is a closely held secret among the families who produce it and it’s never identical batch to batch.

That means every plate, vase, bowl, or candleholder has its own color variation, texture, and personality. No two are alike — and that’s the point.

Fire Marks and “Imperfections” Are Part of the Beauty

Tamegroute pottery is wood-fired in primitive stacked kilns. That means:

• Some pieces show scorch marks or ash deposits

• Colors may vary from olive to almost bronze

• Edges might warp slightly or show texture from the wheel

• Kiln stacking almost always results in visible touch points on the surface

(image from @Tamegroute_Touche)

These aren’t flaws. They’re what make each piece completely unique.

You can feel the earth, the fire and the hands that shaped it — all at once.

Why We Love It

For us, Tamegroute represents everything we believe in:

• Tradition over trend — This pottery has been made the same way for centuries.

• Earth over plastic — The materials are natural, raw, and grounding.

• Character over perfection — Each piece is one-of-a-kind, with a soul you can feel.

It pairs beautifully with modern, minimalist interiors, bohemian layers or traditional homes that crave a warm and collected feel.

How to Use It

• Display it on shelves or mantels for a bold, earthy statement

• Use bowls as catch-alls or centerpieces

• Style candleholders or planters on your tablescapes

• Mix and match different shapes for a “collected over time” look

Some pieces are food-safe and glazed inside — others are better suited for display only. (We note this in all our product listings.)

In a World of Mass-Production, Tamegroute Is a Reminder:

Beauty is not flawless. It can be rough, rooted and real and sharing these pieces means more eyes and appreciation!

Browse our current Tamegroute collection