Impasto is a class of ceramics produced during the Iron Age Period in Italy by the Villanovan culture, the earliest phase of the Etruscan civilisation. As the forerunner of Etruscan Bucchero wares, Impasto wares feature a highly burnished and polished surface despite a coarse, unrefined fabric. The clay itself contains pieces of mica or stone. Depending on the firing condition, the finishing colour of Impasto wares can range from dark red to greenish brown or black.