Ceramic bowl · Fayoum · Ivory & blue

Medium footed ceramic bowl, adorned with stylised hand-painted cobalt blue ginkgo leaves and crimson stems on off-white glaze, framed by a warm terracotta rim. Made on a potter's wheel, this piece showcases the joyful oasis-inspired aesthetic of Fayoum ceramic artistry. The cream-glazed interior and botanical motifs make it perfect for serving various culinary creations.

The Craft. Made from clay sourced from the Nile Valley in Aswan, these bowls are shaped on the potter's wheel and decorated with natural dyes that bring vibrant scenes to life. Palm fronds, birds and figures are glazed into joyful permanence using techniques revived by the Fayoum Pottery School. The artisans employ special glazes and even the Japanese raku technique, combining ancient Egyptian pottery traditions with contemporary methods. Each piece reflects the creative spirit of Tunis village, where pottery-making has been transformed from a nearly lost craft into a thriving artistic tradition.

The Heritage. Although pottery-making was widespread in Egypt during Pharaonic times, by the late 20th century decreasing demand had led to the craft's near disappearance. Life in the farming village of Tunis in the verdant Fayoum oasis took a dramatic turn in the 1980s when Swiss-born potter Evelyne Porret made the village her home. Together with her husband Michel Pastore, she opened the Fayoum Pottery School, inspiring the village children to tap into their creative potential. Today, those students have opened their own workshops, exhibiting true artistic talent and reverence for their mentor whilst keeping the ancient craft alive.

The Maker. Mahmoud Yousef eagerly joined the Fayoum Pottery School at age seven, though his love of clay began earlier when he played on his family's farm, using clay to model the rich wildlife of the oasis. He continues to work with clay today, as stylised animal and vegetal motifs, particularly the jolly donkey, keep springing from his steady hand.