Terra Viva

Terra Viva is the reactive-glaze series — stoneware and porcelain in earth and sea colours where the glaze pools and breaks differently on every piece. It covers dinner plates at 10.25 inches, 7.5 inch coupe plates, petal-rim and hand-pinched bowls, a 9 inch hemp rope serving bowl and a speckled steak plate. Prices run $24 to $69.99.

Why does every reactive-glaze plate look slightly different?

A reactive glaze carries minerals that move during the firing, so the colour runs thin on a raised rim and pools darker in a well. No two pieces break identically, and a set of six will show a range rather than a match. This is the intended character of the glaze; if you want an even finish across a service, the plain white textured porcelain is the alternative.

Is stoneware heavier than porcelain?

Yes, noticeably. Stoneware is fired cooler and stays thicker and more opaque, so a stoneware dinner plate has real weight in the hand and holds heat longer once warmed — which is a genuine advantage for a plated main course. The weight is also why stoneware feels sturdier in daily use, and why a full stack of twelve is heavier than you might expect in a cupboard.

Can reactive-glaze stoneware go in the dishwasher?

The glaze is sealed and food safe, so these pieces are dishwasher safe and the colour will not fade with washing. Avoid abrasive powders and metal scourers, which dull any glaze. Stoneware does not like sudden temperature change, so do not take a plate from the fridge to a hot oven or run cold water over a hot one.