Studio Foon is an independent ceramics studio based in Tairāwhiti, Gisborne, crafting intentional stoneware and pottery pieces created to elevate daily rituals. Rooted in mindful making, each vessel is designed with simplicity, tactile warmth, and functional beauty in mind.
From everyday stacker cups and match-ready chawans to hand-formed vases, moon jars, and sculptural serving ware, the collection focuses on understated forms and organic finishes. Collaborations with local artisans and specialty brands, such as custom matcha ware crafted alongside Thea Matcha, highlight the studio’s thoughtful approach to process and functional design.
Studio Foon operates online with scheduled drops, while welcoming in-person visits to its Gisborne workspace and retail corner strictly by prior appointment. Every item is produced in small batches, celebrating the unique nuances of hand-thrown pottery.
In a world driven by fast-paced consumption and mass manufacturing, Studio Foon takes an entirely different tempo. Based in Tairāwhiti, Gisborne, this independent ceramics studio is dedicated to creating high-quality, handcrafted stoneware that enriches the quiet, repetitive moments of everyday life. From the warmth of a morning coffee held between cold hands to the deliberate preparation of a ceremonial bowl of matcha, every piece is made with presence and purpose.
At the core of Studio Foon is a deep reverence for the craft. The studio’s rhythm is deliberate and meditative—a quiet dialogue between hands, tools, and clay. Rather than producing uniform tableware in bulk, the focus remains steadfastly on small batches and intentional design. The result is functional art that feels grounding to hold, durable enough for daily use, and beautiful enough to leave permanently on the countertop.
Studio Foon’s catalog spans essential drinkware, dining ceramics, and expressive sculptural vessels. Among the studio’s signature staples is the Everyday Stacker Cup, an ergonomic vessel designed with a neat stacking profile to save shelf space without sacrificing personality. The Wabi-Sabi Cup and Angular Cup explore varying aesthetics, ranging from soft, natural asymmetries to modern geometric lines that catch natural light.
Beyond morning mugs, the studio crafts statement home pieces that command quiet attention. The Moon Jar and Moon Vase feature full, harmonious contours inspired by classic ceramic traditions, making them striking centerpieces whether filled with dried foliage or displayed bare. For smaller floral touches, the Bud Vase M10 offers a clean, understated vessel for single foraged stems. Each piece carries subtle hallmarks of the throwing wheel and kiln firing, ensuring no two objects are entirely identical.
A hallmark of Studio Foon’s philosophy is its openness to working with other independent creators, bringing fresh perspectives into the pottery studio. A prominent example is the Studio Foon x Thea collaboration, born from a shared appreciation for mindful tea practices. Partnering with Thea Matcha, Studio Foon designed a tailored collection of handmade Chawan (matcha bowls) and complementary Chasen (whisk holders). Crafted to facilitate the traditional whisking motion while offering balanced heat retention and a velvety lip feel, these bowls demonstrate how dedicated craft can elevate a daily beverage into a restorative personal ceremony.
In addition to custom collaborative releases, Studio Foon periodically explores unique glazes, textures, and exploratory shapes through one-off pieces and experimental studio drops, giving collectors the opportunity to acquire truly singular works.
Because every item requires days of careful turning, trimming, drying, glazing, and multi-stage kiln firing, Studio Foon’s online shop frequently operates on a drop-based model where batches sell out quickly. Enthusiasts are encouraged to keep an eye on upcoming releases or join the studio mailing list to secure newly fired wares.
For those local to Gisborne or traveling through Tairāwhiti, Studio Foon offers a personal touch through its appointment-only studio setup. While browsing online remains the most convenient avenue for national and international delivery, visiting the working space by appointment allows collectors to view works-in-progress, explore one-off glaze experiments, and experience firsthand the dedicated craft that goes into every piece.