Handmade ceramics will last longer if hand washed with warm soapy water and a gentle brush or sponge soon after being used.

Avoid leaving ceramics submerged in water for long periods of time. Even if the glaze is not crackled, small chips can expose the clay underneath and absorb small amounts of water, weakening the form over time. Common sense is key.

Commercial and domestic dishwasher detergents are much stronger than any dish soap, and contain chemicals which may damage the surfaces over time.  It is no surprise that commercial ware survives harsh environments. In industry, clay and glaze formulations prioritize durability over aesthetic variation. The soft, delicate surfaces of some of the most beautiful pieces from masters all over the world would easily be damaged by weekly dishwasher cycles. 

I generally advise not using ceramics made with foraged, minimally processed clays in any dishwasher. I recommend a gentle hand scrub, a quick rinse in the sink followed by air drying before storing.

Many of the glazes were originally formulated for teaware, embracing the spirit of 'awareness of impermanence'

The soft glaze surfaces may become pigmented over time, showing darkened crackle patterns or small halos that appear to be wet. In some cultures like Japan this softness is highly praised and known as Kan-nyu(貫入), contrasting with the otherwise hard nature of fired clay.

Over time, the user becomes part of the story of the piece, and the subtle changes witnessed over time offer an added depth to this relationship between person and object.

Ceramics are quite inert by nature, and there is good reason why many of the oldest human artifacts are made of clay. In essence the material is akin to stone, strong but brittle.

The best storage is upright or upside down on bare wood or a sheet of natural fabric, in a cupboard, shelf, or cabinet.

Ceramics can typically withstand a wide range of temperatures without taking any damage, so long as they have time to adjust to the new temperature. Avoid thermal shock such as microwaves and sudden, extreme temperature changes.

I do not advise using any of my pieces in the microwave, as the somewhat variable nature of the foraged clays that I use have course compositions that may crack, especially when fats are present, which typically overheat locally and cause failure due to differences in thermal expansion ( i.e thermal shock ).

Microwave ovens work on the principle of heating by exciting molecules of liquid. Commercial tableware can often withstand repeated heatings in a microwave oven if the ware has a very low porosity. Handmade work, and especially those ceramics made with minimally processed clays like mine, have some variation in thickness, clay composition, and glaze thickness that often contribute positively towards aesthetic beauty. This variability will often result in uneven heating in microwave ovens and thus cracking may result.

As handmade ceramics are filled with beverages and food, washed, dried, or inevitably left soaking in a sink on occasion, they can absorb very small quantities of water. In a microwave water expands in volume as it turns to steam and can easily crack the ware or failure can result from thermal shock.

The glazes I make and use do not contain lead, heavy metals, or any other potentially dangerous materials.

On another note, highly acidic foods may, over time, cause a slight change in the sheen of the glaze. Highly pigmented food or beverages may also impart pigment in crackle glazes temporarily or permanently. This is part of the patina that results from using natural materials and should be embraced, as humans have done for thousands of years, honoring the story of our relationship and sentiment towards objects.

The most common cause of damage to a ceramic object is impact due to improper handling, falling onto a hard surface, (inside a sink), or cracking from thermal shock, (heating in microwave ovens).

A slightly greater level of care and sensibility is advisable for prolonging longevity.

View my Brass Handle Guide

While some surfaces may feel rough, the underside of each piece and any sharp edges are polished with a fine diamond abrasive before leaving the studio to ensure a smooth contact surface.

That said, the variable nature of the clays I use may lead to some sharp edges that I may have missed. Here I will share a tip I learned during my apprenticeship: before sandpaper and diamond polishing pads, potters of antiquity would rub the base of one object against the base of another. Initially both sharp, their hard surfaces would abrade on each other, leaving them both smoother to the touch. This holds true even today, and performed with prudence can still perform beautifully.

Ceramics can be displayed indefinitely on shelves, tables, etc. Occasionally dusting the surface is the only maintenance.

In areas of the world prone to earthquakes or theft, museum wax can provide insurance against loss.

Vases and objects are generally watertight and will not leave any water marks on furniture, unless stated otherwise in the product description. If you have doubts, fill the container, dry the exterior, and leave over a dry paper towel overnight to check.