I first visited China in 1997, while actively working in the fashion industry in Cape Town. While on one of these trips something unexpected caught my attention. While wondering through the rambling backstreets of Guangzhou - I stumbled upon a most charming little pottery shop that immediately stole my heart.
There were shelves upon shelves lining all the walls, displaying the most beautiful terracotta tea sets in an array of shapes and sizes. I eagerly visited this delightful little pottery on any excuse I could find some free time, with each visit I was even more fascinated by this ancient craft. The language barrier at the time was quite significant - but the shopkeeper was incredibly welcoming, and always had a pot of fresh green tea at the ready for my visits.
The tea sets were unglazed, which allowed the natural depth of the clay body to truly show through, creating a rustic beauty that captivated me. It was unlike anything I had ever seen or held in my hands. And on my last visit to this little shop I purchased my first oriental tea set which I have treasured ever since.
I guess, thinking back now to these early encounters with pottery in Guangzhou is what brought me to my first pottery course 20 years later in London.
From the first moment with my hands in clay I just had this feeling that this was going to be something more than just a hobby.
An Urban Village Ceramics was founded by Lindé at the end of 2018 and still carries the same philosophy at its core. To create from a place of intention and inspiration, in small batches - keeping each range unique and original.
Each of her collections features a range of compellingly simple dishes and tea bowls, and with her signature style of hand-carved textures and meditative patterns they are instantly recognisable. With her commitment to sustainability, and realising the environmental toll of pottery firings - she enjoys raw glazing her work whenever she can - which is then fired only once.
Always excited to hear from potential collaborators and available for commissions