Hand-painted ceramic platter · Fayoum pottery

Hand-thrown ceramic serving platter, made in Fayoum, Egypt, featuring delicate hand-painted blue botanical motifs of gracefully curving fern fronds against an off-white background, finished with a glossy glaze and warm terracotta foot that reveals the natural clay beneath.

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 blue-and-white palette of this artisan ceramic bowl recalls centuries of pottery tradition across the Mediterranean world, whilst the loose, expressive brushwork bears the unmistakable mark of Fayoum's distinctive style. 

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.

Maker. Former student of Evelyne Porret, Hakeem Nachlateen is a dedicated potter, spinning clay on a kick-wheel in his workshop on the main street of Tunis, Fayoum. He creates beautiful vessels adorned with blue leaves, which he fires in the kiln he built himself at the back of his workshop. His two sons are keenly learning the craft alongside him.