Garden Party by Michael Ashley
Michael Ashley has just released a brand new stoneware collection with Caron Gallery. Titled Garden Party, these ceramic pieces are inspired by flowers, outdoor furniture in his mother's garden, and the rich traditions of historical and contemporary Japanese Oribe ceramics.
This collection celebrates the simple joy of gathering around the table. Each piece reflects leisurely summer meals shared with friends and loved ones, with small plates filled with garden favorites like pickled okra, chow chow, grilled asparagus, sliced tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers.
Japanese Oribe ware first emerged in the early 17th century and is named after the tea master Furuta Oribe. His innovative approach to the tea ceremony encouraged artists to embrace more expressive designs. This shift introduced bold glazes, asymmetrical forms, and a greater sense of artistic freedom, helping to redefine Japanese ceramics.
To learn more about the origins of Japanese Oribe ware, explore the articles below:
Turning Point: Oribe and the Arts of Sixteenth-Century Japan
Oribe Ware: Color and Pattern Come to Japanese Ceramics
Garden Party is handcrafted from stoneware clay. Every piece is glazed and fired multiple times to achieve remarkable depth and richness. Delicate floral decorations are finished with real gold and silver lusters, with some works undergoing four to five firings to create their layered, luminous surfaces.
While these functional ceramics are food safe, the precious metallic lusters make them best suited for hand washing and they should not be used in the microwave—much like fine china.
Whether you're looking for a statement serving piece, a treasured gift, or an everyday object that brings beauty to the table, Garden Party offers timeless craftsmanship with a fresh, joyful spirit.