Pottery Dinnerware

Pottery dinnerware is a great item for creating a cultural-look to any kitchen or dining room décor. Here in the southwest, hand-made pottery is very popular. There are pottery studios and artist galleries here and there where New Mexico potters and clay artists can meet and share their talent. Often you will find that Southwestern dinnerware features hand-made pottery.

Basically, pottery is made from a ceramic material that includes clay which is shaped and fired to create a hardened material that will retain its shape. This is long-lasting art because pottery first originated in the Neolithic period. Collecting pottery is often a past-time for people who love art, history and dishes, so it is sometimes considered collectible dinnerware.

If you are a collector, or intend to be, it is sensible to consult a collector's guide, although the most unique pottery is usually found in art galleries and potters studios.

If you are looking for collectible pottery, reviewing this list of pottery companies may be worthwhile.

Pottery designs differ from state to state and from region to region. Some types of pottery are intended for decorative purposes, because the paint or glazes used are not food-safe. However, there are several professional potters who make dinnerware that is food safe. The primary concern relates to the use of lead-based paint. If you are looking for dinnerware to be used for serving and storage of food, you need to look for dishes that are lead-free and food safe.

Bennington Potters is a company that I find impressive. They are a Vermont-based company who produces pottery and stoneware. Their products are hand-made by artisans who have mastered the craft. Their dinnerware is lead-free and food safe and they have a limited edition line.

A lot of modern pottery that is available today are manufactured instead of being hand-made dinnerware. Finding a traditional pottery company who enable craftsmen to display their works is a blessing. That is the best bet for shopping for pottery dinnerware that is unique, hand-crafted and beautiful.