Mosaique Et Poterie De Fes — Local services in Fez

The ceramics factory was our second stop in Fes, as is only right for its most famous export. On a Wednesday in March 2022, our local guide Hassan handed us off to the factory guide Idris. He made a solid joke about not being Idris Elba, and it did help me remember his name.

The factory has its tour and selling spiel down to a science. We started with a pottery wheel and basic clay. Then we saw a craftsman placing tiles on a piece. We were told about the factory getting government support for handmade artistic businesses and passing on the savings for discounted shipping.

Finally, we were left along in a display room, with no prices. After a few minutes, Idris brought us into the main shop and gave us hand baskets. I take no issue with the tour, I love those. I took off a star because there were no prices in the shop. We browsed and collected items and then brought them to the counter. Since we still had a few days in the country (and limited luggage space), two of us shipped items back to the US (shown piled together). It took some weeks to arrive, but it was all intact.

In the end, we spent enough that we were each given a mini ceramic tajine. I would return and get a platter and some bowls. And probably pay to ship them. I've only used my square plate the one time, for...

MUST READ.

The good: Fascinating place where you can learn about the process of Fassi pottery-making.

The bad: Unfortunately this is very much the same type of place as the big carpet/herb/leather places guides bring foreign tourists to. As it was the first stop in our "shop tour" I was in a good mood and easily parted with my money for a tagine and large serving plate. Later in the trip I realised I was likely fleeced, but we had long left Fes by then.

Upon returning home I did several lead swab tests, which thankfully were negative. However the glaze on the pieces is low quality and lets in a lot of water. As a result it is NOT dishwasher safe and likely not direct fire-safe either (salespeople here confidently claim it is everything-safe). It might be ok for serving food but with how easily the glaze lets in liquid, this becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and I don't feel good about it.

My recommendation therefore is NOT to buy anything from here, especially...

Do not do business with these people, they are crooks! I spent several thousand dollars with them, when my items arrived I realized they charged me for 2 items that I did not purchase and did not receive. When I reached out to them to refund me for these items, they refused. They said that I received my items for a "fair price" and would not give me a refund for the items I paid for but did not receive. Because it was my birthday, they also told me to pick out an item as a gift, I did not want to choose anything additional, but they insisted, turns out I was also charged for that item. Then they tried to tell me that the invoice was just for customs purposes and it wasn't "real". Even though I have the original receipt which also shows the charges. Do not do business with these people, the business is shady and they will take...