Ceramic is a heat-resistant and durable material that has been used by humans to make practical objects for thousands of years. The base material is different types of clay that are oven-burned and become things like terracotta, stoneware, pottery and porcelain. At IKEA we mainly use ceramic for plant pots, porcelain, washbasins and kitchen sinks. Since it can be shaped and even glazed to the desired colour and shine, the possibilities of styles and looks are endless.

"GLADELIG tableware is made with reactive glaze, which gives the surface a livelier, handcrafted expression. We also put a lot of work into finding the right proportions and curves to make the shapes feel harmonious. The idea is that the plates will suit many different dishes and occasions – from TV dinners to weekend meals. One favourite is the medium-sized plate with slightly higher edges which we think combines tradition and contemporary design in a nice way."