From craftsmanship to industrial design. The botijo: metamorphosis of a symbol, from tradition to modernity.

Resumen

This article explores the transformation of the botijo, a traditional object from Spanish rural culture, from its artisanal origins to its re-signification as a piece of contemporary design. Through documentary analysis and case studies—such as the La Siesta botijo and the work of designers like André Ricard and Martín Ruiz de Azúa—the article examines how this object has been reimagined to meet the symbolic, aesthetic, and functional demands of modern society. The approach draws on theories of user-centered design and the evolution of everyday objects. The results show that the botijo has shifted from being a functional vessel to a symbolic design object that blends tradition, sustainability, and innovation. This re-signification reveals new forms of dialogue between craft, industry, and contemporary design, offering useful frameworks for reflecting on material culture and its transformation over time.