Wednesday, January 18, 2023

I'LL ORDER A THREE PIECE

I was asked by a customer recently about ordering a small dinnerware set and what exactly that entails, so I dug out some sample pictures and waited for more information. In an exchange of emails what became clear is that they were not looking for a standard or conservative set but rather something tailored to a unique environment of a very small area designed as a breakfast nook that may seat four and no more. The conclusion also was they actually weren't looking for dinnerware per se but rather three specific pieces that would serve as breakfast, brunch or lunch pieces and they knew how they wanted the pieces decorated. What was decided on was a non-traditional three piece set; shallow plate shape measuring 11.5", a shallow bowl for bisque, soup or pasta (an omni-bowl if you will) at 10.5" and a smaller 6" bowl for various uses including deserts. In the scheme of things this wasn't a large order, I set about making five of each piece to be on the safe side one afternoon and then tooled and bisque them. Prior to this I had sent them a small bowl that was glazed in my temmoku and trailed medieval green decoration so that they could approve the surface and once okayed, the pieces were glazed and fired, all fifteen pieces.    

 What is illustrated is the dozen pieces, three sets of four of three specific forms I have made countless times now and are pots that we use here at the house as well. I am sure I have made four dozen or more sets of these pots in this combination with most of the sets also including a more standard  flattish dinner plate at about 11.5" or 12". All is fair when it comes to these orders and honestly the limitations is it has to be something I make routinely enough as to not lose an entire set so there are some glazes and glaze combinations that are absolutely out of the question.