nkuku Malia Stoneware Serving Bowl, Cream, 24cm

The organic shape of nkuku's Malia collection perfectly illustrates the time-honoured methods used to create it, which include the traditional potter's wheel. The stoneware has been finished with a cream reactive glaze, which responds to the heat of the kiln. The unpredictable nature of this method means each piece is unique, with different markings and colouration adding character. An elegant, hand-painted linear pattern completes the look and adds another layer of interest.

These collections are created by talented artisans in China. The country has a rich heritage of arts and crafts, but sadly it is now more renowned for mass production and many of its traditional skills have been forgotten or overlooked. Nkuku work together with their suppliers to protect these skills.

Choose the perfect china

All our china is made from clay and kiln-fired for durability. Except for pieces with special trims, everything is dishwasher-safe. Below are a few options to consider when choosing your perfect china.

• Earthenware Strong and practical, earthenware is often a little thicker than other ceramics, making it ideal for everyday use.
• Stoneware Fired at high temperatures, stoneware is very tough and heat-resistant. It comes in a number of different glaze finishes.
• Porcelain Affordable yet luxurious, porcelain is renowned for its translucency. Fired at high temperatures, porcelain has an extremely tough glazed surface, making it durable.
• Fine china The synthetic bone ash used in fine china makes it a more affordable alternative to bone china. Like bone china, it's strong, translucent and delicate, and creamier in colour.
• New bone china A type of porcelain with added calcium oxide to achieve a similar aesthetic as bone china, but without animal bone ash.
• Bone china White bone china is the strongest and most translucent ceramic. Though it looks delicate, it's tough enough for daily use and is usually dishwasher-safe. It contains at least 35% bone ash.