A generous 12" x 15", this platter is made from porcelain inlaid with colored patterns made from hand-colored clay. Dated 1998, this has been hiding in my basement for years! When I recently found it, I remembered how much I like the labor intensive process of creating the colors and then incorporating them into a piece, and I have started back working with colored porcelain. I have several new pieces that I am listing, and several other older pieces as well.

To create this piece, I made up a "batch" of each color by hand mixing the colored stains into a pound of clay, then making layers of the colors into a "loaf", which I then sliced. I rolled out a slab of the plain porcelain and laid the colored slices on top, and then cut through both layers. I removed the plain clay and inset the colored portions, then rolled the slab a bit to meld the pieces. Then I laid the slab over a mold, pressing it into shape, and finished the edges.

When the piece was dry, I took it outside into the wind (or in front of a fan) and gently sanded the surface so that the colors were crisply delineated. The piece was then bisque fired to make the first transition from clay to ceramic. Next I put a clear glaze on top of the piece to provide a non-porous surface for food usage. Then I fired the piece to maturity at cone 6 in an electric kiln.

This piece is lead-free and food safe. At a sturdy 5+ pounds, this platter can easily hold a large roast or a small turkey. Dishwasher safe! Not safe for cooking, though, and I do not recommend microwave use because the different colors of clay react at different rates. You may safely reheat foods in an oven on this platter if you put the cold platter into a cold oven and let them heat together.

US shipping via FedEx ground is included in the price of this item. If you are in AK or HI please contact me to discuss shipping options - I will need to send it USPS to you. I will ship to many other countries. Please contact me for a shipping quote prior to purchase and I will be happy to set this listing up just for your needs.

Display stand not included.

RKC015

** handmade pottery signed by ME!!