CERAMIC BOWLS
A ceramic bowl is a beautiful container that, due to its characteristics, can last for many years. It is a time when it is necessary to choose the ecological, handmade and durable, especially leaving aside plastic materials.
We are going to show you the work of artists who make bowls that are different from what you see in large surfaces, and that demonstrate that ceramics, even if it is for culinary use, is a form of artistic expression.
In addition, some of the bowls you will see may inspire you to explore something of oriental cuisine that you have never tried before and surprise your guests by serving it in bowls of special beauty.
We have selected some of the best and most surprising options for you to choose from.
Handmade ceramic bowls by Kari Ceramics
See artist’s store
7 ADVANTAGES FOR CHOOSING A CERAMIC BOWL
- They retain heat, so if we are looking for a soup bowl, this is the best choice. They also isolate that same heat from the outside, so you can serve in them without the risk of getting burned.
- Handmade tableware pieces offer each diner their own unique bowl and add variety and freshness to a table’s presentation.
- They are durable, dishwasher safe bowls and bowls can be found without difficulty. Ceramic is a hard material, resistant to wear and tear, and withstands sudden changes in temperature very well without cracking or breaking.
- They can be used in the microwave and, taking into account the maximum temperature, also in the oven.
- They are an environmentally friendly alternative to other materials.
- Ceramic bowls are an original and practical gift, consider this option. They are both functional and artistic, and can last a lifetime. A handmade and hand-painted bowl is something very special and adds an exclusive touch to any table.
- If we buy handmade ceramic bowls we are supporting the artist and the small commerce.
IDEAS FOR CERAMIC BOWLS
We are going to show you some ideas to inspire you. Some bowls are handmade for a specific use, however most of them can have different utilities, from a multipurpose kitchen bowl, to take different hot or cold recipes, as a decorative object, or even to house a small houseplant. Here are some suggestions, all handmade by ceramic artists.
Soup bowl:
The shape of the bowl can be more practical than the deep plate we usually use. In Asia, bowls are used, which are more comfortable, and this shape is gradually taking hold in our tableware, being today an unstoppable trend.
Informal off-table use for soup at any occasion and at any time fits perfectly with the format of a bowl that we can hold with our hands anywhere.
For breakfasts and vegetable creams:
The ceramic bowl is the best option for cereals, they usually have a more conical shape for better access to the base of the bowl. As it is an insulating material, it will withstand the temperature better if you have a hot breakfast or even if you drink cold milk.
Keeping the interior cool is also appreciated if we take a gazpacho in summer.
Tip: For children to have their handmade bowl with a decoration they like is an incentive for them to eat breakfast in front of a kitchen bowl with no personality. It introduces a playful element for them to eat and the familiarity of always using the same one, which they have even been able to choose online.
Decorated bowls:
In addition to plain designs, artists express themselves with different hand-painted decorations, reliefs, etc.
This type of work can give a touch of personality to our tableware.
JAPANESE BOWLS
The use of the ceramic bowl has had a great boom also due to the influence of the oriental culture. From Japan we have received the philosophy of appreciating the moment of drinking tea in a ceremonial way.
Japanese pottery, with common roots with Chinese pottery, provides a beautiful aesthetic characteristic.
It uses the Raku technique, which, in short, is a tradition of modeling the clay manually, firing it at a low temperature (1300-1800º F), removing it from the kiln and immediately placing it in a container with sawdust, paper or other similar materials, also causing a reduction of oxygen.
These pieces have unique surfaces and a very special beauty.
Japanese tea bowls
The tea ceremony is of great importance in Japanese philosophy. It is believed that this infusion was introduced in the 9th century by Chan monks (or Zen, as it was called in Japan) who traveled to China to study this Buddhist tradition.
Since then it has become a key element of their culture. In this ceremony, the famous bowls called Chawan, objects of great beauty and created in a traditional way, are used.
Of course, there is also a non-ceremonial use of Japanese tea bowls, in this case they are given the name Yunomi.
You can learn about this fascinating world in the link above to our monograph on these fascinating objects.
In the image you have some pieces of Soboku Mugs
Ramen Bowls
Ramen is a popular Japanese noodle soup dish, served in a savory broth along with sliced cooked pork, fresh scallions and egg.
The ramen bowls usually have certain dimensions, about 20-23 cm. in diameter at the top and about 9-10 cm. high, depending on the amount we usually take.
The traditional way of filling them is to 80% of their capacity, which avoids spills, is more comfortable to eat and is more aesthetic when serving.
CARE FOR A HANDMADE CERAMIC BOWL
One of these handmade pieces is something very special that should last for many years.
The artists create these pieces in a traditional way, inspired by nature and echoing its textures. Their organic shapes and colors have that natural touch.
The ceramic bowls are made dishwasher safe and are coated with a special glaze that protects them from harsh detergents and ensures that they will remain as good as new after daily use and washing.
However, if you are going to wash these pieces by hand, avoid abrasive sponges and scouring pads that scratch the surface.
Avoid putting a very hot bowl coming from the oven or microwave directly into cold water, as this will cause a thermal shock that may crack the ceramic.
Large bowls are often used not only for eating, a ceramic cooking bowl can act as a drainer and can be used to wash fruit and vegetables, replacing plastic items.
Unlike the plastic ones, if we are going to give much use to these parts, of course, we must be careful that they can be broken or damaged with the blows.
CHOOSE THE TYPE OF CERAMIC
The main types of ceramics used to make bowls are stoneware and porcelain.
Stoneware is very resistant, which is fired at high temperature. Its density and low porosity make it ideal for daily food use. As it does not require glaze, it is microwave and dishwasher safe. Handmade porcelain bowls are also oven, microwave and dishwasher safe.
The differences are that porcelain is less resistant to sudden changes in temperature, however, there are those who believe that it is a more elegant material. Other users give stoneware bowls a special beauty that porcelain does not have.
An objective fact is that porcelain scratches less.
Both options are good, it depends on the use that is going to be given to the piece, if it is a bowl for individual use, a large serving bowl, a source of sporadic use …. In any case, if it is ceramic, you will not go wrong.
Note: This article contains affiliate links that lead to the artists’ stores outside of the Ateologic website. If you buy something from them, we will receive a small commission that will help us to continue our site and in turn continue to support those artists.
This of course does not affect the selling price.