This article forms part of the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub providing a structured overview of design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.
Belgian ceramic artist and mathematician Guy Van Leemput creates exceptionally thin porcelain bowls using inflated balloons as temporary moulds. He builds each vessel by applying small pieces or strands of porcelain directly to the balloon, gradually forming intricate organic patterns. Once the porcelain has dried, he deflates and removes the balloon, coats the interior with porcelain slip, and fires the bowl upside down on a custom support. High-temperature firing gives the finished work strength and translucency while allowing gravity and melting to subtly shape each unique form.
Source: Porcelain Bowls Made with Balloons
More Ceramicists
Designers by Discipline: Eight Fields of Design
Explore eight major design disciplines—from architecture and ceramics to industrial, interior and textile design—with representative designers and archive links.
The Vibrant World of Gaudy Pottery: Dutch, Ironstone, and Welsh
The decorative arts showcase the Gaudy ceramics of the 19th century, highlighting three distinct styles—Gaudy Dutch, Gaudy Ironstone, and Gaudy Welsh—each representing cultural trends and artistic evolution.
Michael Schilkin: The Renowned Russian Ceramicist
Michael Schilkin, a renowned ceramic artist from Russia, blended folk art with Scandinavian design, creating detailed animal sculptures that continue to inspire contemporary artisans and collectors.
Susumu Ikuta: Japanese Ceramicist and Fashion Designer
Susumu Ikuta a Japanese ceramicist, studied traditional techniques under Katoh Kohbei. He worked in Tokyo, New York, and North Carolina, incorporating realistic motifs into porcelain forms.
The Exquisite Art of Porcelain: Crafting Delicate Elegance
Porcelain is a remarkable ceramic material known for its hardness, delicacy, and characteristic translucence. Often associated with an elegant and refined appearance, porcelain has been a staple in decorative arts for centuries, prized for its durability and its ability to showcase intricate designs. What is Porcelain? Porcelain is typically white and is made by heating…
18th Century Agateware: Techniques, Aesthetic, and Makers
Agate ware, popular in 18th-century England, mimics natural agate stone with marbled clay. Modern artisans continue its legacy with innovative techniques. Valued for history and craftsmanship.
