Theeservies van steengoed met zoutglazuur 1901

This stoneware tea set with salt glaze was crafted by Joseph Mendes da Costa, though we don’t have an exact date. It’s that glaze that grabs me – so tactile! The way it pools and settles, it’s like the set is still being made, the glaze is still flowing. Look closely and you’ll see how the maker wasn't trying to hide the process, instead embracing the natural variations and imperfections that come with working with stoneware. Those hand-drawn blue decorations – whimsical and free – add to that feeling. They give such a personal touch, as if the maker has doodled on each piece. It reminds me of Lucie Rie, who also played with glazes and simple forms. There’s a similar interest in the alchemy of the material and a celebration of the handmade. These are objects that invite us to slow down, appreciate the subtle nuances of everyday life, and find beauty in the imperfect.