More than Mugs: 5 Ways to Use Ceramics in the Home

Perhaps you've noticed, if you've lurked for as many hours as I have among the pages of our Shop, that we've got a thing or two for ceramics. It's a minor obsession for many of us, collecting plates, bowls, and kitchen objects, among other odd things, in, ahem, a certain color scheme. It's a trait that comes with the territory, and it's not something that shakes easily even when, perhaps, on vacation.

And while in Japan recently, I happened to come across Yumiko Iihoshi's achingly beautiful and feather-light work, which immediately triggered the place in my brain that yells "MUST ACQUIRE!" when I see gorgeous pottery.

What I didn't expect was for her ceramics to surprise me—but there hung what looked like two top hats from the ceiling of her Osaka showroom. What are those? I thought, turning my head to better see underneath. They were hanging lamps, minimalist chandeliers for anyone allergic to spindly lighting arms. The design was novel, if not new, yet somehow filled me with a sense of discovery.

It got me thinking: When ceramicists and potters play in a sandbox that might not be eating or drinking vessels, what comes to life? These are a few of my favorite ways I've seen clay used recently, in purposes other than just for the tabletop.

Things to Hang

Wind chimes and lights, both from our Shop:

Decorative mobiles:

Planters and sconces:

Things to Wear

Pendants and charms:

Rings:

Things For Your Desktop

Ink wells and brush holders:

Incense holders:

Things for Living Rooms & Bedrooms

Lamp shades:

Jewelry boxes:

Vases:

And, Fine, a Few Things for the Kitchen

A flask! A spice funnel!

Serveware:

Tea pots:

What's the weirdest (best?) way you've seen clay used—and who did it? I'd like to know for research purposes...