The Wonderful World of Ceramics
It has almost become a norm for every family to own at least one beautifully crafted dinnerware helping to make every occasion elegant, tasteful and classy. The best part of the dinnerware movement is that the items are mostly locally manufactured and do not have to be imported like in the yesteryears.
Dinnerware can be mostly classified as three types: earthenware, porcelain and bone china. Earthenware is the most fragile and the primordial form. The latest versions are the fired-up, white clay also popularly known as porcelain and a better version to the porcelain are the more translucent, bone china.
Bangladesh, currently houses more than 20 ceramics plants. Majority of the production, after meeting local demands are exported to developed countries like the EU, USA and the Middle East. The first ceramic plant was established in Bogra, in the year 1958. Today, the country has come a long way and there are many companies in this profitable field of business, including foreign investors, contributing considerably to the GDP of the country.
Ceramics and bone china collection is an art form that can only be mastered with enough experience. First time collectors need to know few tips and tricks. Ceramics are available in three possible options:
Single sets - 12 piece set that includes everything for one person
Open houses – where every piece is sold separately and people can mix and match from different designs and make their own collection Box sets – 36 piece sets, 52 piece sets, etc.
Each of these box sets is placed in a way to meet the demands of at least six people. If someone needs more than they can make additions from the open house option; if the specified designs are not available than orders can be placed as most manufacturers accept orders and take a week's time to provide the demanded quantities of items.
Before purchasing any ceramics dinnerware, one must be clear about what they want. If someone's into elaborate designs then definitely a floral imprint or a polka dotted modern imprint is not meant for them. To understand better, few extra pointers are provided -
Floral imprints/polka dots: Good for tea parties, snacks service, baby showers, bridal showers, etc.
Gold patterns/silver patterns/intricate details/22 carat gold – dinner parties, glamorous occasions, etc.
Hand painted blueprints – personal collection/small gathering of family and friends
Local popular prints like Jamdani/batik prints/ Islamic motifs, etc. – Good for serving local food
Solid colours/abstract art – outdoor/thematic parties
Another piece of advice for a collector is that bone china might be very expensive but it is also lighter to handle and more durable. Few may confuse between porcelain and china, both, are the same thing, with only bone china being different. Bone china has a warmer tone whereas regular ceramics or porcelain is simply white. The former, offers a slightly more elegant appeal due to the lighter weight and body composition.
In case someone easily gets confused they are advised to do some research before making the actual purchase; maybe visit the ceramic shops or browse online to get some basic idea.
There are many markets where ceramics are available. Elephant Road is very famous for its range of ceramics distributor shops. Banani Bazaar and Gulshan1 D.C.C Market have a small but very effective range of ceramics on display; one can get a complete 32 piece set at the minimum price of Tk3500 at these places. Mohammadpur, Townhall Bazaar and Karwan Bazaar also have innumerous ceramics shops that can help anyone assort a fine collection. All ceramics manufacturers have their personal signature outlets in various parts of the capital. The addresses of their factory outlets and signature outlets are available online.
Aarong, Jatra, Kumudini, etc. have an attractive collection of ceramics especially with locally popular prints. Anybody looking to extend their personal collection or give gifts to their loved ones can visit these stores for stunning pieces.
Just an additional piece of information to remember is that most of the 'Signature Outlets' will not sell directly to the customers. One must go there to select the designs first and then place an order; the delivery will be within a week's time. The factory outlets will have wholesale prices for purchase in bulk and the small shops, the retailers, will keep their margin but will have an array of designs for direct sales. To serious collectors these designs may seem universal and ordinary but to most of us they are perfectly fine and extremely beautiful and worthy. Hence, if you are a collector the general suggestion is to visit a signature shop of the brand of your preference.
Some may say what's the use of owning high-end dinnerware when you are not going to regularly use it? Contrary to popular belief expensive dinnerware can be used every day. When fashion and ceramics go hand in hand, fun with friends and family is sure to follow.
By Mehrin Mubdi Chowdhury
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Special thanks to Mir Abubakar Shiblee, Sr General Manager
Monno Group of Industries
Comments