A method of forming a detailed image on a surface of an earthenware item is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) processing a digital image to produce an output image; (b) etching a burnable material to create peaks, valleys and indents corresponding to the output image to form a mold; (c) casting a flexible template against the mold to obtain a mirror image of the output image in the flexible template; (d) casting a surface of the earthenware in an unsintered state against the flexible template to record the output image by peaks and valleys in the surface of the earthenware item; (e) bisque firing the earthenware item in the unsintered state to render the output image permanent; and (f) applying stain to the surface of the bisque fired earthenware item and removing excess stain from of the surface of the earthenware item.