Black Shiny Ant with Oxidized Brass Legs

A celebration of precision, patience, and quiet elegance, “the Ant” reimagines one of nature’s smallest beings as a sculptural object of beauty and poise. Its high-gloss black ceramic body rests delicately on oxidized brass legs, creating a silhouette that is both structured and alive.

With its graceful posture and gentle sheen, this piece offers a quiet focal point that plays beautifully with light and negative space. Ideal for interiors that value proportion, restraint, and unexpected charm.

Handcrafted in Portugal, this piece is made from fine earthenware and glazed using a traditional immersion technique that creates a smooth, mirror-like surface. The legs are cast from solid brass using sand molds and then oxidized by hand to reveal a soft matte texture that complements the gloss of the ceramic.

Each piece carries the slight variations that come from artisanal work. The ceramic remains luminous with care, while the brass gently evolves with time.

This piece is crafted in the Oeste region in Portugal, a region renowned for its rich ceramic heritage. Here, generations of artisans have shaped the culture of clay into objects that carry both function and soul.

“The Ant” reflects this heritage through its clarity of shape and dual materiality. Its ceramic body is immersed by hand in glaze, a method that requires precision and timing. Its brass legs are individually cast and finished through slow, tactile processes rooted in local metalwork traditions.

At JJUIN, we work closely with these local artisans, supporting the preservation of their craft while helping them refine their techniques, develop their designs, and choose the highest quality materials that meet the expectations of a Western market. We also help them build practical skills such as working to timelines and communicating with design teams, allowing artisans to grow sustainably without compromising the cultural intent of their work.

This piece is intended for indoor use and works well on low surfaces such as consoles, shelves, or pedestals. Its elongated form brings horizontal balance, while the high-gloss ceramic contrasts with matte or natural textures like stone and wood. Style it on its own to draw focus or pair it with brass or black accents for tonal cohesion.

Notes for Design Professionals: Ideal for boutique hotel lobbies, gallery-inspired interiors, and retail windows where sculptural objects are used to create visual focus. The Ant’s slim profile and elongated form allow it to integrate easily into low compositions or shelving displays without overpowering the space.

Wipe gently with a dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid exposure to moisture or direct sunlight. Do not use chemical cleaners.

Each JJUIN piece is shaped by hand and heart, crafted individually, with subtle differences that make every design completely unique.