Ephesus Ceramic Center, Selçuk

The bus was heading south towards our final destination. When Alp announced we’d be making a stop at a ceramic production center to see ceramics being formed and painted, Gino perked up from his slump in the back of the bus. Some of us actually clapped.

As soon as we rolled to a stop, we swarmed the entrance to the Ephesus Ceramic Production Center in the town of Selçuk.

Can you spy the Evil Eye?

Not far inside the door, a potter sat before a wheel, creating a pot while we watched, open-mouthed. Like a magician, he delicately moved his hands up and down the clay, softly pressing here and there to create a wonderfully shaped jar.

Nearby was a long table where two people sat, painstakingly painting intricate designs on an array of white clay objects.

After this artful demonstration, we entered the dazzling display room. It should have been called Disneyland for Gino. He went crazy, walking up and down the aisles, looking at all the displays of fabulous ceramics and tiles in every colorful pattern and design you can imagine. (In case you have not read my other blogs about our travels in Italy and Greece, I should tell you that Gino is PAZZO for ceramics!)

But sometimes I’m guilty, too. A wall of tiles drew me over for a closer look. I stood before it, staring at one collection in particular. I’m sure the salesman spotted my eyes twirling around in their sockets like someone under a spell. I was.

He seized the opportunity in my weakened state. I already knew I had to take this home. He didn’t need to explain to me the historic symbols and meaningful colors, nor the superior technique used in making this tiled masterpiece. My hand was already reaching for my credit card.

My treasure was carefully wrapped and tucked into a nice compact cardboard box with little handles which I carefully carried all the way back to California. It now hangs on my wall.

Here it is as it hangs on our wall. Isn't it stunning?

Although Gino and I wore a path in the floor going back and forth to look at these amazing works of art arranged on the rows of shelves and tables, we left most of these gorgeous creations where they sat, waiting for someone else to bring them home. Sob.

But they have a website, and they ship…