Ceramics and Gifts
Question
Oh hello!
Weird question that I’m hoping someone can help me with! I’m a ceramic artist (I make porcelain functional pottery) and I’m working on a wedding gift for two close friends. This couple is fairly observant and I want to make sure that anything I make them (I’m thinking a large serving bowl or platter for Shabbos) is fully kosher.
I make all of my own materials from scratch, including clay and glazes, and I fire my work to close to 2400f, which is about as hot as any type of ceramic-ware would be fired to (I use high-fire clay as opposed to porous earthenware). I don’t see any reason why handmade ceramics wouldn’t be kosher, unless perhaps I were to fire a kiln on Shabbat or rub a bunch of treif food over everything, neither of which I plan to do…
Nonetheless, I want to make sure I’m making something that can be used, and I actually don’t know anyone in the Orthodox community who makes pottery so…here we are.
I’d love some feedback! And luckily, if an issue pops up, I can always just make a vase…
Thanks!
Answers
What a beautiful idea!
Aside from the issues that you have mentioned – firing up your kiln on Shabbos, putting the item in the kiln on Shabbos, or using an animal fat based glaze, the only other possible issue that I can think of is that there not be any inappropriate images on the item.
May Hashem bless you to be able to bring joy to others for many years to come.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team
Many thanks for your reply. Certainly no lewd imagery planned! I appreciate you taking the time to respond; your input and help to the community means a great deal.
It’s a pleasure. I am happy that Just Ask! was able to be of assistance.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team