China? From China?
Like any avid home accessories collector, I love clay and pottery. There’s something about the texture—earthy, grounding, made from mud yet endlessly versatile. It can take on soft curves or sharp lines, shift with glaze or stay matte. With the right piece, it’s playful, emotional—even cheeky.
People often think of “china” as the blue-and-white porcelain gathering dust on a grandma’s shelf. Too delicate. Too traditional. But that’s only part of the story.
Porcelain in China today is fun. It’s chic. It’s a little rebellious.
In Jingdezhen, I found plates shaped like cartoon nudes, pastel dishes like soft watercolor, and cups with modern patterns. Some are glossy, others matte. Some smooth, others still show the potter’s hand. No two are quite alike—and that’s the charm. The artist community there is made up largely of young people—many in their 20s and 30s—who’ve either studied ceramics or simply decided to build their own kiln and try. Self-expression is at the center of what they do. You feel it in the bold forms, the experimental textures, the humor and softness they let into the work.
A question I hear often is: “Is this Japanese or Chinese?” It’s easy to confuse the two, but the styles and philosophies are quite distinct. Japanese pottery embraces imperfection and muted tones. Chinese porcelain, especially from Jingdezhen, leans technical, refined—but it’s evolving. Some Japanese artists even move to Jingdezhen, drawn by its history and openness. The creative cross-pollination is inspiring to watch.
That’s why I wanted to bring these pieces into HomeIdea. Handmade ceramics make everyday moments feel special. Drinking coffee, setting the table—when you're using something shaped by someone’s hands, life feels more intentional.
So if you’re looking to start your own little collection—or just want to swap out your morning mug for something that sparks joy—here are a few favorites I curated from Jingdezhen for you to shop at HomeIdea.
A matcha bowl with soft celadon glaze and hand-pinched edges. It’s meant to be cupped in both hands—and feels like holding a cloud with weight.
Light as mist, this dinner plate has a semi-matte surface and soft ripples at the edge. Looks elevated with just a piece of toast or a full brunch spread.
The coastal-inspired glaze shifts between seafoam and cream, with a high-handle silhouette that feels vintage but fresh.
Muted glaze, irregular rim, and a weight that feels grounding. Great for salads, pastas—or nothing at all, sitting pretty on the shelf.
Its curved body and subtle speckled finish make this a lovely piece for fruit, rice, or just quiet counter beauty.
With its cinched waist and tactile ridges, this cup is all about subtle personality. Like a little sculpture for your espresso.
A clean-lined duo that pairs well with both your morning pour-over and your favorite book. Quiet, intentional, and incredibly photogenic.
And if you’re a Japanese design fan like I am… don’t worry. We’ve got a journal entry coming soon, full of our favorite finds from Japan.
Stay tuned.
XOXO, Lorraine