Function’s nice, but how ’bout some originality?
We talk a lot about a ceramic piece’s function: How a platter is perfect for appetizers or a vase is great for displaying cut flowers. But we all know there are millions of serving platters and ceramic vases that function well. Thanks to Ikea and Target, we can buy functional ceramic pieces for less than 10 bucks! And at Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Table, we can get Italian-like ceramics for less than $50. So why spend $185 on Tuscia’s Oval Serving Platter with Lemons or $110 for Vazquez’s Large Paloma Vase? Sure they function well, but the real reason we love them is their originality.
When a piece of ceramics is handmade and hand-painted, it is intrinsically unique. It is one of a kind because a human hand crafted it and a human hand applied the glaze… not to mention the fact that a very imperfect firing process was also involved! All this to say that even if the same artist tries to recreate the same piece it will undoubtedly look different. Of course, pieces made simultaneously look the most similar, that’s why I encourage customers who want a whole set to special order it at the same time.
To some, these inconsistencies might seem inconvenient. But as far as I’m concerned, I wouldn’t want it any other way! I love that the artists I work with put their own human touch into each piece. Sure some days their lemons are larger or more ripe-looking than others. Some mugs have thin handles, while others are more thick. But isn’t that the fun of it all?! Knowing that when you pick out a particular plate or fall in love with a pitcher, you’ll be the only one in the world to have that plate or that pitcher? It’s a one of a kind… a complete original. The artist made it with love and now it’s on your table or serving appetizers at your party. That one piece is special and that’s what gives it value. Sure it also serves it’s function perfectly. But as appose to the platter that came off a factory line, it’s got just as much personality at it does functionality.
A great example is one of my favorite pieces by Ceramiche Bartoloni, the Foglia e Frutta Footed Platter with Angel (left). I have ordered this platter from the Bartoloni brothers many times and each one they send me is different: Sometimes the little angel has fruits in his hands, other times he has a musical instrument, a flower or a leaf. Each platter has its own personality and tells its own story, just as an original work of art should.
