Studio tableware 'Simple White'
The tableware is reduced to the simplest basic forms for bowls, cups and plates, highlighting the material – porcelain – and the distinctive characteristics of handcrafted production. The pieces are shaped from simple geometric forms, which then deform in different ways during the drying and firing processes. This deformation is inherent in the material itself and is deliberately allowed to happen. What is normally seen as a flaw in the craft of ceramics is here a consciously chosen part of the design. How each piece warps can only be controlled to a limited extent. Room is given to chance, and so each piece is essentially the same and yet slightly different.
To highlight the unique texture of the porcelain, the pieces are glazed only on the inside and left with a velvety, unglazed finish on the outside. The natural deformation and the warm white tone of the porcelain complement all dishes perfectly.
All pieces from the series are dishwasher safe and suitable for gastronomic use.
Reduced Forms, Open Use
Another important aspect was to design the tableware pieces in form and size so that they are not intended for just one use, but rather their function is kept as open as possible. For example, the cups have no handles, which makes them more like vessels that can be used not only for coffee but also for other purposes. This also allows the number of different tableware pieces to be reduced to the forms that are truly needed.
Using the special characteristics of the material and production to create something distinctive.
Craft
With enough practice, a person can produce several identical items by hand with incredible precision. But what exactly is the difference between handcrafting and industrial manufacturing?
One key difference is that manual processes are not pre-programmed. When creating it, one can decide how much control to exert and how much space to give to the material‘s specific characteristics — and thus, to chance.
Material
The porcelain used comes from England and impresses with its special color tone reminiscent of eggshells. This warm white tone appears natural and harmonizes particularly well with all served dishes.
The significant warping of the pieces is a distinctive characteristic of porcelain. In this series, this is intentionally allowed to happen and made visible through the handcrafted production process. Furthermore, porcelain has a tactile surface that is very different from stoneware. To highlight this, all tableware items are glazed only on the inside. Mugs and espresso cups are also half-glazed on the outside so the raw porcelain remains tactile. Since the tableware is fired at approximately 1250°C, the porcelain does not absorb moisture, even in the unglazed areas, making it fully suitable for everyday use and dishwasher-safe.
This tableware series can only be produced by hand.
Manufactured identically, but warped differently. Chance is consciously part of the design.
There is a beauty in chance that cannot be created by hand or machine.
Suitable for gastronomy and everyday use
An independent institute tested the tableware for its resistance to scratches and edge impact. It performed very well in both categories. This fine porcelain tableware is lovingly handcrafted yet robust.
Stackable, although each piece is slightly different.
The tableware is only glazed on the inside and left unglazed on the outside. To ensure that the unglazed areas feel particularly silky smooth, all pieces are sanded before and after each firing.
Minimizing Waste
Irregularities and randomness as part of the design reduce production waste, as the differences become a special feature and are consciously part of the design.
Usage
Ceramic is an enormously durable product that can be used across generations. Therefore, products should be designed so that people enjoy using them. Things that people enjoy using aren’t quickly discarded. This too is a form of sustainability.
Resource-Efficient
The focus is on the porcelain and its natural color as well as possible surface textures, not on glazes. Colored glazes are completely avoided. Clay and clay remnants are largely collected, processed, and reused.
Usage
Unique Pieces in Series
All tableware pieces in the „Simple White“ series are hand-formed from porcelain. Porcelain can deform significantly during certain drying and firing processes. What is normally considered a flaw becomes part of the design here. The differences between objects, the small irregularities in form and glaze, as well as the visibility of the craft are part of the concept. Each piece is therefore unique. All objects in the tableware series are glazed on the inside and left velvety raw on the outside. Over time, signs of use may become visible. All objects are fired at 1250° degrees, so that the porcelain is sintered and dense. The glaze is food-safe and all tableware pieces are dishwasher-safe.
The tableware series is available exclusively in the studio shop.
Are you looking for tableware for your restaurant? Please feel free to write.
Porcelain tableware for the Hotel 'Das Edith' photo Peter Oliver Wolff
