earthy bowls

Whether you use these for ingredient prep or to serve condiments or seasonings, you'll appreciate the earthy beauty of this handcrafted pair of bowls. Duangkamol in Thailand designs the small footed bowls, which are crafted from ceramic.

Characterized by warm brown layers, this decorative bowl from Mexico displays the wonderful hues of the earth. Choosing a large onyx stone, members of the Sierra Family diligently hand-carve this decorative bowl.

Each bowl will have unique coloring and variegation, making each a unique work of art.

Displaying brown and beautiful earthen lines, this sophisticated decorative bowl is presented by the Sierra Family, representing Mexican handicrafts. The artisans choose natural onyx stone, diligently carving it into this artistic bowl.

This unique decorative plate is the creation of Daeng Thanunchai in Thailand. The plate is crafted through an elaborate process of forming the coiled bamboo on a lathe, and then applying several layers of a lacquer mixed with the ashes of burnt rice-paddy husks. Subsequent layers of colored lacquers and clear lacquer are applied, and the plate is sanded between each application. A final polishing with powdered fired clay gives the plate a gloriously glossy finish.

This set of three small ceramic bowls is perfect for prepping ingredients, serving condiments and more. Duangkamol in Thailand designs the bowls, which feature a simple footed design and an earthy green glaze.

Designed and crafted by Nopnara in Thailand, this fluted bowl has a natural appeal. The bowl is formed by hand from ceramic and painted with warm, earth-toned glazes over white.

Mango wood displays an intricate mosaic that evokes the living earth. Nantana Sompamitre practices the ancient Thai art of eggshell mosaic. The gracefully curving piece is then lacquered according to time honored traditions.

Handcrafted of ceramic, this mini decorative bowl brings the passion of Costa Rican handicrafts to any home. Elpidio Chavarria creates the bowl, hand-painted with the image of a sea turtle in earth tones. Says the artisan, "I love being able to appreciate the rich fauna and flora that we have in our region. We love being able to translate them in our pieces and that the people are able to appreciate the beautiful nature."

Mango wood displays an intricate mosaic that evokes the living earth. Nantana Sompamitre practices the ancient Thai art of eggshell mosaic. The gracefully curving rectangle is then lacquered according to time honored traditions.

This appealingly rustic bowl is from Kika in Java. The artisan crafts the light blue bell-shaped bowl from ceramic, leaving the edges unglazed for an earthy effect.

Shining from afar onto the planet Earth, the sun centers this decorative plate by Kobina Asmah. "It gives us energy and sustains life," he explains. "The blue represents the oceans while the green symbolizes vegetation. Brass inlay becomes sun rays. This is a reminder of the importance of the sun to human existence. We must be wary of the depletion of Earth's ozone layer." The Ghanaian artisan depicts the symbol in beadwork on a decorative plate of sese wood. It arrives with an iron stand.

Terrestrial elegance inspires this handcrafted bowl, as earthen tones combine in an intriguing and evolving surface pattern. Daeng Thanunchai creates the piece with traditional Thai lacquer techniques, using a deep vermilion tone to evoke a soothing ambiance in any setting. For decorative purposes only.

To complete this piece, coiled bamboo basketry is carved into the desired shape on a lathe. A mixture of lacquer - obtained from the Gluta usitata tree - and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks is then applied to the object. Upon exposure to air the mixture dries to form a watertight seal that is polished before another coat is applied. This process is repeated until a rigid base is formed, and a final polishing is executed with sandpaper. Then several coats of pure lacquer are painted on the object, with drying periods in between each coat.

The work is partially polished with sandpaper according to a predetermined pattern - generally concentric - and a few coats of different lacquer colors are applied to the surface, then the object is left to dry for a few days. The process remains identical for each ensuing color, alternating lacquering and polishing sessions until the design is achieved. The final coat is washed with water and polished with powdered fired clay, offering an irresistible sheen.