“Dirty” because the porcelain contains minerals that are drawn out by the flames of the anagama wood-firing kiln that made them. Raw clay goes into the kiln, and an object painted with drama comes out a few weeks later. “Blates” because they are halfway between a bowl and a plate. Good for something a little saucy (if we want to keep making linguistic fun :)

No, seriously, this form is well-used by the chefs that have bought them from me, because they hit that sweet spot between open and deep. The specs are: there are 25 of them. They weigh ___lbs, and measure ____, more or less. The height is about ____ measured from the table to the upper part of the lip.

This group matches the wing bowls __________ and I recommend getting both of the groups if you’re going for either, because you will not find anything like this anywhere ever again, believe me.

So this is raw clay, no glaze. The clay itself is made impervious to water (and the bacteria with it) by the sheer heat of the kiln. Glaze is not necessary. Glaze would give it an icy texture because it has more glass in it. Instead, I sand these down to be as smooth as a baby’s butt because that’s what makes them nice for your silver, and nice in the hand of the guest.

As far as stacking goes, they can handle a lot. It kind of depends on how gently your crew handles the stack. But don’t be afraid. Porcelain is so coveted because it is the most durable clay of all the options. Aaron Adams at Astera (Farm Spirit) has used this style of blate for years and recently I checked his inventory and found only two with damage. His crew stacks them at about ten high, and runs them through the industrial washer.

…yes, they can go through the industrial washer. The painting is embedded in the clay.

*at the risk of repeating myself as you go shopping: for the moment, I am keeping groups intact, because I am reaching out to restaurants only with this page of offerings. Please let me know if you are interested in breaking a group and I will make a note and keep you informed. But quite importantly! I love commissions. If you want these in white porcelain, talk to me :) I don’t have any in stock, but they are much easier to make in white. All this woodfired work is super-rare and I won’t be making it again in this way if ever.