The cuerda seca technique is an ancient ceramic method used to create decorative motifs and raised color divisions in glazed ceramics. Although its origins are not completely clear, it is believed that the technique originated in Persia and spread throughout the Islamic world, before reaching Spain during the era of Moorish domination. Below is an explanation of how this technique works:

Design Drawing:
It starts by creating a design on the unglazed ceramic. This design is made using a mixture of oil and pigments, creating lines or areas that will act as barriers for the glaze.

Application of "Cuerda Seca":
A thick mixture of wax, oil, and manganese is applied to the lines or areas of the design. This mixture acts as "cuerda seca", creating physical barriers between the glazed and unglazed areas.

Glazing:
After applying the "cuerda seca", the ceramic is dipped into a liquid glaze. The "cuerda seca" prevents the glaze from spreading into the designated areas, creating sharp divisions between colors.

Firing:
The ceramic undergoes a firing process, during which the ceramic and glaze fuse and harden. During this process, the wax and other materials used to create the barriers are burned away, leaving the previously protected areas without glaze.

Final Result:
The result is an intricate design with clearly raised colors and patterns. The cuerda seca technique allows for great flexibility in creating customized patterns and fine details in ceramics.