It could have lasted a thousand years…if it hadn’t accidentally been dropped and chipped while someone (who shall remain nameless) was unstacking the dishwasher.
Pete bought me my Steve Sheridan tea bowl at the Brewery Yard Markets in late July 2015. He was being kind – I’d picked up the bowl while walking past Steve’s stall and had been unable – quite literally – to put it back down. It was made of porcelain with a blue celadon glaze, with a bamboo pattern hand carved on the outside. There was something incredibly soothing about how it felt, cupped in my hands, and I was completely enchanted by the wee frog in the base. It cost $55 – five times more than I’d ever spend on a cup or mug before. I baulked at the price, so that wonderful husband of mine made the decision for me.
I brought it home and had a cup of herbal tea in it that afternoon. It was never a piece to save for “good” – I used it at least a thousand times before it broke. I know that sounds like an exaggeration, but I used it nearly every day for the four years that I owned it. Sometimes I’d use it several times in the same day.
Over the years, as we’ve become friends with lovely Steve and his gorgeous wife Trish, we’ve learnt more about the process that goes into one of his pieces. We’ve talked about how he sources his clay and glazes, all from our home state of New South Wales, how each bowl takes him about an hour of hands-on time to make, and how firing is a finicky process that can be unpredictable at times. Every conversation made me treasure my little froggy bowl even more. How often do we get to know so much about our “everyday” items?
Because I’m an early riser, I’m often awake hours before the rest of the family. It’s usually a gentle, peaceful time for me (though if I’m honest, recent weeks have been less calm).
My early mornings are mostly spent pottering around quietly – mixing up dough, putting washing on, unstacking the dishwasher – and then I’ll sit down with a hot drink in my tea bowl. In the summer months, sunlight hits our dining room windows around 7am, painting the walls with miniature rainbows as it passes through the various Swarovski ornaments I’ve made over the years.
I’ll sit at the table, cupping my tea bowl in my hands, reflecting on how blessed I am. I particularly treasure my morning ritual at this tumultuous time – it’s a little moment of mindfulness that allows me to take a deep breath and refocus on the day ahead. Over the years I’ve bought other pieces from Steve, but this little bowl was my very first and I’m going to miss it. It won’t be gone forever though – my friend Kevin is going to turn it into a candle for me. I’ll be sure to show it to you when it comes back.
Last year I commissioned Steve to make me a couple of very special pieces which I never got around to showing you. Stay tuned for another instalment soon! And if you’d like to admire Steve’s beautiful pieces, have a look at his website here. ♥
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
And another possibility might be the lovely art of kinsugi??
I am so sorry about your teacup.It’s funny how an object like a cup can mean so much and bring to us so much comfort. I hope you can find a replacement that brings you equal comfort. Peace and stay safe!
Ode to a tea bowl… wonderful :)
Oh no! I loved seeing that little froggie from time to time. Nice you have had the joy of it in your life though. I knew you would make something out of the pieces. 💕
I know how a cup or bowl can be so special. feel for you….went to his site and that pottery is exquisite.
It sounds like the smoothness of the cup as well as the gorgeous color of the glaze came to represent a sense of peace. I am so sorry it broke, it best that the perpetrator remains un-named.
So sad to lose something like that beautiful tea bowl that you loved so much. I dropped and shattered my 1 and only duck mug that only I was allowed to use, which I did 2-3 times a day for my coffee. Only a mug perhaps, but I loved it and was so upset for days but I was pleased I only had myself to blame.
Steve’s work is really beautiful, thanks for including his site for us to admire his lovely creations
I feel with you for lose your most favorite cup, I had a little vase, which I purchased when I was 14 years young, when I lived in Germany, from a nunnery’s pottery, after 50 years it broke in two pieces, I never had it fixed, as it stands on my kitchen window sill, it had been part of my long live and moved with me to the US. Steve’s work is just pure Zen.
thank you for sharing your story. How precious is that early morning time? Back in the 80s I treasured that time on the back steps with a coffee and smoke before the family rush was on in the kitchen for breakfast, cutting lunches, packing school bags, getting everyone to school on time and me to our photographic studio before the clients were on the doorstep. The early morning ritual remains, minus the smokes, the instant coffee replaced with a a cappucino (only one a day) from the monster machine on the kitchen bench, minus the rush factor (we’ve been retired for 10 years now). But the calming comfort of early mornings in NSW whatever the season is still as fresh as ever. Aren’t we the lucky ones, despite the turmoil of this pandemic to have a little bit of respite we can rely on to enjoy at whim? Keep safe, keep well, love to you and yours.
Oh, sad! Still, at least you have wonderful memories attached to it. My mother kept things ‘for best’ and it was horrifying how often things were broken without having enjoyed then at all. Enjoy the memories Celia 🤗
Beautiful sentiments inspired by a treasured piece. Steve has some wonderful pieces on his website. Thanks for sharing. I feel calmer already.