Zitta Schnitt’s “Morgenland” tea service is a lovely balance of Oriental form and Western tea ritual. The angularity of her handles also juxtaposes nicely with the heart shapes and gentle curve of the pots spout. Made of porcelain, of which Schnitt says, “To design something made from porcelain is a big challenge.” She’s achieved, however, with flying colors. A perfectly charming set of objects, and a beautiful tea service. (via Industrial Design Served).

More images follow.

Known for impossibly cool stiletto heels, Insa’s attention has been diverted (perhaps just momentarily) to tea sets. The ceramics feature the artists signature ‘Graffiti Fetish’ design and are numbered in an edition of 250. Available through Clickforart. (via MashKulture).

Further looks at the ‘Graffiti Fetish’ tea set after the jump.

Art lovers and dog lovers can rejoice together. PAWS/LA – a charity devoted to assisting the disabled and senior citizens with their pets – has enlisted an A-grade class of artists (including the above Kenny Scharf, Ed Ruscha, David Hockney, Charles Arnoldi, Ross Bleckner, and Robert Longo) to create decorative dog bowls for auction. The bowls hit the block and Bonham & Butterfields on November 23, 2010. (via SlamXhype).

Presented last week in Tokyo, Spanish designer Jaime Hayon’s new ceramic series for Kutani Choemon taps his love for Japanese culture. In particular, Hayon focuses on traditions tied to the dinner table, and his unique graphics add flare to traditional forms associated with dinning. In the end, the goal was to provide links between food, people, and the table. (via Dezeen).

More of Hayon’s ceramics fro Kutani Choemon after the jump.

Manufactured in the ceramics capital of the UK – Stoke-on-Trent – Ron English’s “Abraham Obama Tea Set” brings the famed pop agitator’s work to the breakfast table (or to afternoon tea, or whatever). Cleverly composed of cup and saucer, the set comes in an edition of 250. (via Lost At E. Minor).

More images after the jump.

Brand new to the OHWOW store, Julia Chiang’s ceramic Black Apples.

Brooklyn based artist Julia Chiang presents an exclusive edition of 50 glazed porcelain apples available at OHWOW. Chiang chose the apple because it is a symbol of desire and an icon of the city of New York. Each unique apple is handmade in porcelain and glazed a glossy black (3” high x 3 1/2” diameter) and is packaged in a wooden box that has been burned with the details of the edition and is signed and numbered (5” long x 6” wide x 5 1/4” high). According to Chiang, “Most of what I do reveals the unevenness and imperfection of my hand.” “I am interested more in what are viewed as flaws rather than perfection, and in finding objects and materials that hold a story and history.”

They hit for $200 and are only available here.

Kult (the crew behind Kult magazine and a new shop) has teamed with Mojoko on a commemorative vase inpsired by the current “Year of the Tiger.” The ceramic vase is 30cm high and features traditional blue on white decoration (think Porcelain as inspiration), but draws on Asian popular culture for the graphic identity.

The vase is the first product to highlight Kult’s efforts to create new platforms for established and up-and-coming artists.

More images of the vase after the jump.

Turning ostensibly nice narrative scenes and twisting them to comment on the darker elements of contemporary culture, Barnaby Bradford has a rather unique way with ceramics  It’s Nice That took time out to interview the artist. You should take time out to read it – right here.

Some more of Bradford’s work after the jump.

18 with a Bullet at Other Criteria presents new hand painted vases by Eduardo Sarabia. As you may have noticed, I’m quite fond of ceramic work that marries contemporary narrative with traditional form. Sarabia plays with cliches related to drug culture and drug smuggling. It is social commentary, informed by his Mexican heritage.

Each vase comes in an edition of 18 and each comes in an individual custom box themed to match the respective vase.

A look at several more of Sarabia’s vases after the jump.

Ceramicist Eric Serritella’s “Book of Trees” mimic the look of birch with hand formed and carved clay. They pieces are, in short, magic.

Serritella began working with clay in 1996. It was a simple start, a hobby class opening a new creative outlet and ultimately a new profession. Soon after he opened Muddy Paws ™ Pottery, focusing on functional pottery production. Today, Serritella is 100% wedded to trompe l’oeill. The books are just an example. They force questioning of material and the nature of use.

Serritella’s lined up a busy exhibition schedule for 2010, so be sure to visit his site and see when the “Book of Trees” will land near your way.

Full books after the jump.