Dinnerware Dreams: The Caspian Reactive Glaze Collection

The Caspian 16-piece blue reactive glaze dinnerware set is a beautiful and elegant tableware collection. Each piece is made of stoneware with a unique reactive glaze that undergoes chemical changes during firing, resulting in one-of-a-kind patterns and luminous blue tones. The glaze transitions from aqua to cobalt, with desirable crazing and crackling that develops over time as the raw materials expand and contract. The set includes four 4-piece place settings, each with a dinner plate, salad plate, mug, and cereal bowl. The simple, classic shape of the dinnerware showcases the beauty of the glaze, making it a stunning addition to any dining table.

The glaze's unique patterns and blue tones

The Caspian 16-piece blue reactive glaze dinnerware set showcases a unique and captivating design that is sure to enhance your dining experience. The beauty of this dinnerware set lies in the one-of-a-kind patterns and luminous blue tones created by the reactive glaze.

As the name suggests, the Caspian dinnerware set features a stunning blue glaze that cascades elegantly down each piece. This glaze undergoes a fascinating chemical change during the firing process, resulting in a dynamic range of blue hues. The colours transition from aqua to cobalt, with subtle light and dark variations that give the set its distinctive character.

Each piece in the Caspian collection is a masterpiece in its own right, exhibiting unique markings and crackles. These desirable imperfections occur during the firing process and contribute to the set's overall charm. Over time, as the raw natural materials expand and contract, these crackles may develop further complexity, adding to the unique story of your dinnerware.

The simple, classic shape of the dinnerware elegantly complements the intricate glaze, ensuring that it takes centre stage. The glaze itself is food-safe, although it may temporarily discolour when in contact with certain foods. This is a small price to pay for the stunning aesthetic that the Caspian set brings to your dining table.

Crafted from stoneware, the Caspian 16-piece blue reactive glaze dinnerware set is both dishwasher- and microwave-safe, making it a practical choice for everyday use. However, it is not suitable for freezer or oven use due to the unique glaze.

The glaze's food safety

The glaze on the Caspian 16-piece blue reactive glaze dinnerware set is food-safe. However, it may temporarily discolour when it comes into contact with certain foods. This is a common issue with reactive glazes, which undergo chemical changes during the firing process, resulting in unique patterns and colour variations.

The safety of glazes is a complex issue with many variables. The two materials that are proven toxic are lead and cadmium. Lead is used to make glazes flow better at low temperatures, and cadmium is used to create bright orange and red colours. There are other materials that may be toxic, but there is insufficient evidence to regulate them at this time.

It is important to test the durability of functional ware that comes into contact with food or drink. While laboratories exist that will perform a battery of food safe glaze tests for a fee, there are also tests that can be performed at home.

One such test is the lemon test. This involves squeezing lemon juice onto a glazed surface and leaving it overnight. If the colour of the glaze changes, this indicates that the acid in the lemon juice caused other materials to leach out of the glaze.

Another test is the microwave test. This involves filling a test piece with water and microwaving it for one minute. If the clay body is not sufficiently vitrified, the water will be absorbed into the surface of the ware, causing the glaze to chip off.

It is worth noting that the Caspian 16-piece blue reactive glaze dinnerware set is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, but not freezer- or oven-safe.

The glaze's potential to temporarily discolour with certain foods

The glaze on the Caspian 16-piece blue reactive glaze dinnerware set is indeed food-safe. However, it is important to note that the glaze may temporarily discolour when it comes into contact with certain foods. This is a common occurrence with reactive glazes, which are known for their unique and unpredictable patterns and colour variations.

The discolouration is typically temporary and not harmful. It is caused by a chemical reaction between the glaze and certain compounds in food, such as acids. The glaze undergoes a similar chemical reaction during the firing process, which gives it its distinctive appearance. This process is often referred to as variegated glazing or reactive glazing and results in the creation of unique patterns and colour variations.

While the discolouration is usually not a cause for concern, it is something to be aware of when using this dinnerware set. It is recommended to avoid placing the set in an oven, as the high temperatures can compromise the construction of the pieces. However, the set is safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher.

To minimise the chances of discolouration, it is advisable to perform a simple test before using the dinnerware with a new type of food. You can squeeze a slice of lemon to release its juices onto the surface of the dish and leave it overnight. If there is a noticeable colour change, it may indicate that the dish could react more prominently with certain foods.

The desirable crazing and crackling

The Caspian 16-Piece Blue Reactive Glaze Dinnerware Set is a beautiful collection of stoneware with a unique glaze. The glaze on each piece undergoes a chemical change during the firing process, resulting in one-of-a-kind patterns and luminous blue tones. As the glaze cascades down the plate, it transitions from aqua to cobalt, creating a stunning visual effect.

This dinnerware set is designed to showcase the beauty of the glaze, with its simple, classic shape. Each piece is truly one of a kind, exhibiting unique markings and desirable crazing, also known as crackling. This intentional crazing occurs during the firing process and may develop further complexity over time as the raw natural materials expand and contract.

Crazing is a fascinating phenomenon where a network of fine cracks or lines appears on the surface of the glaze. While it may seem counterintuitive to desire cracks in your dinnerware, the crazing on the Caspian set is entirely safe and adds to the unique character of each piece. The glaze and its effects are food-safe, although they may temporarily discolour with certain foods.

The desirable crazing on the Caspian set is a result of the intentional firing process, where the raw materials expand and contract, creating a beautiful network of fine lines. This intentional crazing is a desirable feature that sets the Caspian collection apart, adding to the individuality and charm of each piece.

Over time, the crazing on the Caspian set may evolve, with new markings appearing as the raw materials continue to expand and contract. This evolution showcases the unique history of each piece, making the set a true work of functional art. The crackling effect is a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating the Caspian 16-Piece Blue Reactive Glaze Dinnerware Set.

The dishwasher and microwave safety

The Caspian 16-piece blue reactive glaze dinnerware set is dishwasher and microwave safe. This means that you can safely use your dishwasher to clean the items in the set, and you can also use the dishes in a microwave for heating or cooking food.

However, it is important to note that the set is not freezer- or oven-safe. Therefore, you should avoid placing the dishes in the freezer or using them directly in an oven for cooking or baking.

The glaze on the dishes is food-safe, but it may temporarily discolour when used with certain foods. This discolouration is normal and can add to the unique character of the dishes.

To maintain the appearance and longevity of your Caspian dinnerware set, it is recommended to follow the care and maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. These instructions can usually be found on the product packaging or the manufacturer's website. Proper care will help ensure that your dishes remain safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave.

By following these guidelines, you can safely use and care for your Caspian 16-piece blue reactive glaze dinnerware set, preserving its beauty and functionality for years to come.

Frequently asked questions