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Description
Arroyo 4x4Cotto, a Terra Cotta love story. Cotto (from the Italian terra cotta or "baked earth") is part of a long line of fired clays that date back to the dawn of civilization itself. From Egyptian water jugs to Chinese roof tiles to Roman bricks terra cotta has been part of the human story for as long as we've had an alphabet. The materials that go into making our Cotto haven't changed much over the millennia, but the way in which they're fired has evolved.
Cotto, a Terra Cotta love story.
Cotto (from the Italian terra cotta or "baked earth") is part of a long line of fired clays that date back to the dawn of civilization itself. From Egyptian water jugs to Chinese roof tiles to Roman bricks terra cotta has been part of the human story for as long as we've had an alphabet. The materials that go into making our Cotto haven't changed much over the millennia, but the way in which they're fired has evolved. From kiln furniture to mold designs to firing method, our handmade and high-fired Cotto is our modern take on an ancient world tradition.
We make Cotto in Mexico, a country with an incredibly rich history in ceramic arts. The techniques to manufacture our modern terra cotta have their roots in the arrival of the Spanish and the establishment of San Miguel de Allende in 1551. A UNESCO World Heritage site, San Miguel is arguably one the most important colonial cities in all of the Americas. It's also covered in historic terra cotta. From ancient roof tiles to 400 year old floors, it's a city that takes fired clay to a whole new level. It's also the fitting home of our Cotto line.
How It's Made
Made from locally sourced organic clays, our hand crafted Cotto elevates the storied tradition of terra cotta. Each clay formulation is mixed with water and blended to the ideal consistency. The clay mixture is pressed to shape in a mold and allowed to dry for 1-2 weeks. This is to achieve the right moisture level for firing. It's also at this point that wood ash is added to the surface of our "Fired Earth" tiles. The ash is what gives Fired Earth its unique surface coloration. An important note here this process is highly dependent on the weather. San Miguel has a distinct rainy season that can delay drying times by quite a bit! Once dried, tiles are brushed and stacked, ready for the kiln.
What Sets Our Cotto Apart?
Unlike most Cotto or traditional terra cotta, we high-fire our clay at 1260 Centigrade (230 Fahrenheit). What this means is that the terra cotta becomes "semi-vitrified" increasing in density and decreasing in porosity. Special kiln furniture is needed at such high temperatures to ensure the tiles don't warp or bend. It is also the most difficult step in their manufacture, requiring a skilled technician throughout the day and a half firing period. The result is an incredibly durable, highly unique tile that is unlike any other terra cotta on Earth.Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
4.5 ★★★★★
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 4
Feelings
Format: Paperback
Written well but for age of lower level for understanding and attention
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Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2023
★★★★★ 5
Good reading
Format: Hardcover
How could you go wrong with a book like this? Great for kids and adults alike
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Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Such an Adorable Book
Format: Kindle
This book was one I originally borrowed on Kindle to read to my twin niece and nephew to hopefully help them stop fighting. The book was so adorable, I bought it for Kindle to make sure I always had a copy. While the message is great, treating others with kindness, the illustrations and rhymes are what make it unique. There are some larger words used, but they are all in a clear context to help build vocabulary. The twins loved the farm animals and I actually used the book as part of a lesson on kindness for my Sunday school class who also enjoyed it. Even though I already have the Kindle version, I am ordering paper copies to give as Christmas gifts this year. I love this author, the illustrations, and the message. This is the type of children's book everyone can enjoy and agree on.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2021
★★★★★ 5
Bonito y fácil de leer
Format: Paperback
Es un libro muy bonito, fácil de leer, entretenido. A mi niño le gustó mucho.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2026
★★★★★ 5
A must book for children
Format: Paperback
I got this book 15 years ago at a garage sale and it was one of my kids favorite books of all time. We took it with us everywhere we went (in the car, on vacation etc). My daughter is now in her 20's and she works at a daycare center. She wanted to get some books for their library and when I reminded her of this book she had to get it for them. It has quickly become the classroom favorite, the children ask for her to read it to them daily.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2025