How to care for hand-thrown ceramics
Hand-thrown cups and bowls are made to be used every day. A few simple habits keep their glaze bright and their edges whole for years.
Every piece of hand-thrown pottery is a little different: the thickness of the wall, the way the glaze pooled in the kiln, the mark of the potter's thumb. That is why people love them, and why they deserve a little care.
Washing
Most glazed stoneware is fine in the dishwasher, but hand washing keeps the glaze glossy for longer. Use warm water and a soft sponge, and skip the scouring pad.
Heat and cold
- Warm a cup with hot tap water before pouring in boiling tea.
- Never move a piece straight from the fridge into a hot oven.
- Check the maker's note before using a piece in the microwave: some glazes contain metals.
Pottery does not break from use. It breaks from shock: a sudden change of heat, or a knock on the edge.
Small chips and marks
Grey marks from cutlery are usually metal left on the surface, not scratches. A paste of baking soda and water lifts most of them. A chip on the rim is a reason to retire a cup from drinking, but it still makes a beautiful pot for a small plant.
