Seashell Porcelain Cups

Pittenweem Porcelain Cup - Shell bay

The glaze on these cups are made with white shells from Shell Bay.

While on a trip to Puglia, Italy, my sister and I visited the Museo Archeologico di Santa Scolastica, an archeological museum showcasing a huge selection of historic artifacts, to my surprise, mostly pottery!

The majority of the pieces are decorated with symbols reflecting the period of the time. Inspired by their storytelling, I chose to use shells for their strong connection to Pittenweem, commonly used locally for decoration- The Dreel Hall in Anstruther’s external walls are adorned with patterns using shells.

The shell beaches in-between Anstruther and Pittenweem are famous for their white clam shells, completely covering two bays along the coast. At Shell Bay you often see names spelled out on the rocks.

While researching, I discovered that seashells are mostly calcium carbonate. Firing the shells in a bisque to 970 degrees calcines the shells, breaking them down into calcium oxide, any organic matter is burned off and the shells turn to a powder. I used a satin glaze recipe using this powder in replacement for talc or whiting.

Handwashing recommended.
Items may vary slightly from photograph.
Made in Edinburgh, Scotland.