Cate Fitt, a.k.a. knitfitt, has been a member of Etsy since 2007 and is an experienced critic, curator and juror. She earned her MFA in fiber in 1978, later receiving an artist’s fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. Through the years, she’s been a maker of one-of-a-kind hand-painted clothing, pottery, jewelry, and linocut and monotype prints. She lives in a little house close to the James River with two whippets named Moose and Peach.
Pottery was my first love. I became fascinated with the medium when I bought a pair of handmade mugs and could not figure out how the clay for the handles came out of the cups. So, in the late 1960s, I spent a year studying with Malcolm Wright, a young American potter who went on to apprentice in Japan and is now a Vermont Living Treasure.
Not only did I find out the handle was made separately and applied, I was introduced to the rich history of Japanese ceramics. Then, from 1968 – 1969, I spent a year in England at the Harrow Studio Pottery Course where my most influential instructor was Mick Casson, who taught history of ceramics.
Guided by Mick’s insight and examples, I grew to love the fat, full forms of medieval English pottery. I also learned to respect a well-made, functional teapot. Although I made my last pot in about 1970, my studies gave me a disciplined working method, an interest in the history of crafts and an eye for high quality ceramics. For this post, I have chosen current work that reflects the important and continuing influences of Japanese and British ceramics.
Containers for Drinking Tea
[From top left: Yunomi from Marty Fielding Pottery; Black and white etched porcelain yunomi teacup from Sofia's Dad's Pots; Paint sample glaze test cup from Sara Paloma Pottery; Cup and saucer set from Naught Hill Pottery; Pearled teacup and saucer from Back Creek Pottery ; Friday morning mug from Illyria Pottery; Black rabbit mug from RonPhilbeckPottery; Mug from ceramicjones]
These two tea cultures developed different forms for drinking their everyday tea. The Japanese used a small cylinder with no handle called a Yunomi. Westerners tend to use a teacup and saucer (a bowl shape with a handle) or a mug (a cylinder with a handle). The Yunomi to be found on Etsy range from the classic in both form and glaze (Marty Fielding), to more contemporary interpretations (Sofia’s Dad’s Pots and Sara Paloma).
The cup and saucer by Naught Hill Pottery is a fusion of the two cultural influences. A classic Western way to enjoy your afternoon “cuppa” is made by Back Creek Pottery. Ron Philbeck and ceramicjones make cups that have the ease and relaxed nature for a calm early morning.
Teapots
[Clockwise from top left: Light grey celadon and orange shino teapot from R Morales Pottery; Personal teapot from Hodakapottery; Green leaf teapot with teabowls from Red Tea Pottery]
Of course, tea drinkers who use loose leaves to make their tea need teapots. Making a truly functional teapot demands advanced skills. Whether in Japan, Brooklyn or Great Britain, the tea must flow easily and smoothly from the spout, with no dribbles at the end. The lid must stay on even when tilted 90 degrees. The handle must be well balanced and comfortable to hold when lifting and pouring. The opening at the top must be large enough that it is not too awkward to remove spent tea leaves.
The teapots by R Morales Pottery and Hodakapottery are classic examples of the simple beauty possible when creating a functional teapot. The teapot with tea bowls by Red Tea Pottery seems directly connected to Japanese pottery from the past.
Pitchers and Jugs
[Clockwise from top left: Pitcher with incised rabbits from Morris Pottery; Red milk jug from Gwynneth Rixon Ceramics; Red bird in tree jug from Julia Smith Ceramics]
Although Mick Casson played many important roles in the world of pottery during the second half of the 20th century – historian, gallerist, educator in schools and on television – he should be best remembered for his beautiful pottery that made everything look so easy. His pitchers or “jugs” transcended their function and became simply works of art.
Following in that tradition are these vessels made for sharing by Morris Pottery, Gwynneth Rixon and Julia Smith.
Cate Fitt, a.k.a. knitfitt, has been a member of Etsy since 2007 and is an experienced critic, curator and juror. She earned her MFA in fiber in 1978, later receiving an artist’s fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. Through the years, she’s been a maker of one-of-a-kind hand-painted clothing, pottery, jewelry, and linocut and monotype prints. She lives in a little house close to the James River with two whippets named Moose and Peach.
80 comments
Sign in to add your ownLittleWrenPottery says:
Great feature, so many beautiful pots here. It's remarkable how much eastern and western pottery styles have influenced each other. It's most notable in St Ives pottery by Bernard Leach but personally my favourite potter has to be Michael Cardew...
1 year ago
starmekcreations says:
Great article and beautiful ceramic work
1 year ago
redhardwick says:
Wow, the pottery is all so beautiful, it's something I've always wanted to try. Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
SELVIDGEByRachidaS says:
Thanks for sharing this post. I like handmade pottery. I remember the first handmade cup I bought, I was 16 years old. Love the pictures :)
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Cool! I have the most amazing handcrafted saki set! ..nothing like owning something handcrafted by a talented artist :)
1 year ago
TheScarfTree says:
I really love pottery, that blue mug and the green cup and sauce are stunning, oh and the little different colour bowls - such an amazing craft! Pottery bowls always look the best in my macrames! Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
vKnit says:
Such beautiful pottery. Thank you for sharing :)
1 year ago
Furiousdreams says:
Beautiful choices, Cate. I looked at Wright's site and am entranced by his sculptural work. I keep meaning to take a ceramics class...the tactile quality of the clay and the opportunity for surprise during the entire process attracts me. Thanks again, for an educational and entertaining article!
1 year ago
WillowsKeepPottery says:
It's wonderful when you can find inspiration from the masters.
1 year ago
dbabcock says:
Very cool. I love all the pieces you chose for this article, especially the teapots.
1 year ago
SlippinSouthern says:
Really interesting read and beautiful work.
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Wonderful pottery! I love the tea pots and sets.
1 year ago
spicycarrot says:
What wonderful work! I love your aesthetics, very simple, usable and beautiful!
1 year ago
overthemeadow says:
Beautiful pottery! Very interesting article :-)
1 year ago
Funklicious says:
Beautiful pottery. Love the Personal Teapot from Hodakapottery.
1 year ago
GardenApothecary says:
i love the first tea mug and the second tea pot... adorable!
1 year ago
minipotterybyanita says:
Now you're talking my language! I tried nearly every craft before plunging my hands into soft, welcoming clay in 1987! I've been hooked ever since! Thanks for this interesting article and all the fab photos!! anita
1 year ago
mudpuppy says:
Fantastic!
1 year ago
lju999 says:
Fascinating! I love the form, colour, and functionality. Thank you!
1 year ago
AquaMoose says:
I too fell in love with pottery when we first met. Hopefully over time our relationship will grow, and we can know each other better :)
1 year ago
scarletbegonia11 says:
i love tea :-)
1 year ago
julessabjewelry says:
The teapots are gorgeous and I would love to learn to make pottery myself!
1 year ago
HomemadeSunshine says:
Thanks for sharing! I am crazy about pottery and those are all so wonderful.
1 year ago
auntjanecan says:
Great article and informative!!! I used to be a potter and have great respect for anyone working in clay.
1 year ago
MaidOfClay says:
I recently spent 2 weeks in touring the Japan pottery villages of Mashiko, Bizen, Hagi, Kyushu among others and it is an experience I will never forget. The anagama kilns were amazing, as was the pottery. This is an interesting youtube on Issac Button who is considered the last true English country potter. It was said he could throw 120 pieces an hour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4qdGTFBRJ4&feature=related
1 year ago
GrandOldTimes says:
Very interesting article, I enjoyed this.
1 year ago
patspottery says:
Love teapots and tea cups!!
1 year ago
dorothydomingo says:
I love your selections of cups and teapots. I can't imagine giving up working with clay, especially if I had Mick Casson as a teacher. One of my first pottery books was his book The Craft of the Potter.
1 year ago
LivingVintage says:
Gorgeous pottery! Interesting article.
1 year ago
RonPhilbeckPottery says:
Hi Cate, I came over to read the article and as I scrolled down I saw my Black Rabbit Mug! Very exciting. Thanks so much for having it here. You certainly were lucky to have spent time with Mick Casson. I saw his pots in books early on when I started making. His salt glazed jugs were amazing. Cheers ~Ron
1 year ago
TerraformaStudio says:
Thank you, Cate for spotlighting such a wonderful selection of ceramics. You've made a lot of potters and ceramic artists very happy, and not just the ones you showcased! Go potters go!!
1 year ago
juditavill says:
nice!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Wonderful items. Love ceramics, especially the tea pots.
1 year ago
AdornmentsNYC says:
beautiful work - great post!
1 year ago
cedarpocket says:
Fantastic. Inspiring. Enlightening. Respectful. Thank you for the wonderful post.
1 year ago
HandySam says:
Interesting read, I learned quite a few things.
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Ceramic is my life. ;)
1 year ago
magnumrx says:
I have fired in a kiln, but it did not look like this one!
1 year ago
heidiadnum says:
Lovely! Thank you.
1 year ago
hellodarlingvintage says:
Love the rabbit :D
1 year ago
katrinaalana says:
The teapots look lovely.
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Love your designs! Great shapes and surfaces.
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Beautiful!!!
1 year ago
AliceCloset says:
The teapots are simply amazing...love them! Great article! Thanks
1 year ago
girliepains says:
very nice
1 year ago
GwynnethRixon says:
An interesting read, and thankyou for choosing one of my jugs as an example. I've always been drawn to jugs, and Mick Casson and his work have been an inspiration and an encouragement since we first met in 1974
1 year ago
sandboxcastle says:
These are gorgeous example pieces. A little daunting, but really inspiring too for someone just starting out in pottery- to see what is possible. :)
1 year ago
AdrienArt says:
Thanks for this nice posting about pottery. I was raised with a cupboard of all mismatched handmade mugs by different potters. I have always loved the vast variety of artistry possible with these simple forms.
1 year ago
blueroompottery says:
Beautiful elegant pieces!! Thanks for the nice article! :>)
1 year ago
pipapiep says:
Very nice!
1 year ago
sinoera says:
Very beautiful .
1 year ago
cottonbirddesigns says:
Great article!
1 year ago
TakeMeHomeware says:
Very nice article. I recently found out that yunomi is palm cup in Chinese.
1 year ago
nanouke says:
Loved this, I'm a tea lover and a ceramic lover. Perfect combo :)
1 year ago
Hurray4Crochet says:
This is a wonderful article. I've always loved tea cups and tea pots, but I had no idea about the detail and the difficulty of making them. Thanks for your post and all the great resources!
1 year ago
ThumbandPinky says:
Wonderful article and inspiring ceramic work! I think I'll go make a cup of tea now.
1 year ago
taylorceramics says:
Thank you for this great article and the selected works are lovely!
1 year ago
rmoralespottery says:
Very informative and inspiring. It's great to see a post like this. Thank you.
1 year ago
moriahart says:
Lovely Selections!
1 year ago
potsnpurses says:
YEAH!! A ceramics article! What a great piece and lovely images, go etsy potters!! So inspiring, now back to making!
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
love!
1 year ago
peifferStudios says:
YAY CLAY!
1 year ago
LaurelCanyonBeads says:
Hooray! Thanks for highlighting an important and too often overlooked art form, there are so many fantastic ceramic artists on etsy!
1 year ago
elisasherejewelry says:
Wow!!! Thank you so much for this article, I just discovered a few new potters. I'm a potter/collecter myself, thanks so much for sharing this talent.
1 year ago
EarthWindFireWater says:
A toast to potters (with tea, of course)!
1 year ago
tokenandpine says:
I am completely obsessed with the forms of teacups, especially those without handles. So beautiful!
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Wow, beautiful collection!
1 year ago
alluvial says:
Just lovely..and inspiring. Thank you!
1 year ago
RedorGrayArt says:
a stunning collection of art and their functionality makes each vessel even more amazing . thanks Cate for a beauty filled post
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
We got a ceramic mug from OneClayBead and it's absolutely amazing- the details and colors of hand-made ceramics! Love these great finds :)
1 year ago
ThePolkadotMagpie says:
Beautiful piece. My husband and I make ceramic pieces for our home together. There is nothing like my favorite hand thrown ceramic mug filled with coffee.
1 year ago
Veraniz says:
Love it!
1 year ago
IllyriaPottery says:
Lovely article! Cheers for including my work.
1 year ago
theoldewoodstove says:
Awesome- love the work!!
1 year ago
Steampunkitis says:
Wow! Love that kiln. Very nice paint job on the teal tea pot. I've always loved playing in the mud. Still do. Great fun.
1 year ago
ExactlyCreation says:
very nice pottery, if you would like to learn more, I use to work in that typ of field, going to comapys, and get ready, like what you discripe, to get the handle on, the only different was to make the reed and glaze, what comes out a little to your art, hope you can do a lot, and if you can try the waeller in germany on the block, Ransbach Baumbach is the richess town for to do ceramic and hand drew pottery.What very importend is the finish, in salt-glaze braun or natuarally. good luck
1 year ago
siennaorlando says:
Beautiful. I was so fortunate to do a tea bowl workshop with the extraordinary Hal Reigger before he passed. The process was organic and thoughtful.
1 year ago
NannyMadeandfound says:
I love learning more about tea culture. I love tea. I love tea ware. I love pottery. Thank you for posting about this subject and letting us all know more about you!
1 year ago
abbyberkson says:
Thank you for bringing some lovely pots into the spotlight. My collection of handmade teapots, coffee pots, mugs and cups enriches my life and makes tea and coffee drinking much more meaningful, and connects me to other potters. Cups are really special handmade objects, used so intimately in everyday life. I love them.
1 year ago
keishapeguespottery says:
That was all great. I love pottery!!!
1 year ago