{"product_id":"medieval-clay-pitcher-and-six-cups-set","title":"Handmade Clay Pitcher \u0026 6 Cups – Medieval Feast Set","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClay, milk and fire — the way a table was set a thousand years ago\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003ePick up one of these cups and the first thing you notice is the weight. Not heavy, but present — the kind of density that tells you a pair of hands pressed this shape into being on a spinning wheel, and that the clay came out of the ground rather than out of a mould. Run a thumb across the wall and you feel the faint spiral where the potter's fingers travelled upward. Every cup carries a slightly different rhythm of those marks. That is not a flaw in the finish. That \u003cem\u003eis\u003c\/em\u003e the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis is a full serving set: one lidded pitcher and six matching cups, made as a single family so that the colour, the throw lines and the smoky depth belong together on one table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eWhat Makes It Special\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eNothing here is coated. There is no glaze on this pottery — not on the pitcher, not inside the cups. The deep chestnut-and-black surface, the coppery streaks, the soft sheen you can see in the photographs: all of it is the result of firing, not painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe method is called \u003cstrong\u003emilk firing\u003c\/strong\u003e, and it is genuinely old. Once the vessel has been fired and is still hot, it is bathed in milk. The milk proteins and sugars caramelise straight into the porous clay body, darkening it, sealing the surface and leaving that warm, weathered patina. Villages across Eastern Europe used this technique for centuries because it made everyday earthenware watertight and food safe long before industrial glazes existed. It is slower and less forgiving than glazing, and it is why no two pieces come out identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eEach item is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\" class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eThrown by hand on a potter's wheel from natural red clay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eKiln fired, then milk fired in the traditional manner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCompletely unglazed — no synthetic coatings, no painted decoration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eFood safe and watertight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eOne of a kind in its exact shade and surface pattern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eThe Story Behind the Shape\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe pitcher's silhouette is not a modern invention. That high shoulder, the narrow waisted neck, the pulled lip and the strap handle attached low on the body are the proportions medieval potters arrived at through pure practicality: a wide belly holds volume, a narrow neck slows the pour so nothing splashes, and a low handle balances the weight when the vessel is full. The fitted lid — turned separately, with a small pinch finial — keeps dust out and warmth in between rounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe cups follow the same logic. No handle, straight tapered walls, a base narrow enough to sit close on a crowded board. They stack neatly on a shelf, and they are shaped to be held in a full palm rather than pinched between fingers. At 300 ml, one pour is a proper drink, not a polite sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eOur workshop, \u003cstrong\u003eMedieval UA\u003c\/strong\u003e, works in Ukraine, reproducing the vessel forms found in the region's archaeology and folk pottery. Everything is made in small batches, by hand, start to finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eHow People Use It\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA table for six.\u003c\/strong\u003e The pitcher's 1.65 L fills all six cups with plenty left over, so the host stays seated instead of shuttling to the kitchen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCold drinks, all summer.\u003c\/strong\u003e Unglazed clay holds cold remarkably well. Water, kvass, cider, lemonade and iced tea stay cool far longer than they would in glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine, mead, ale and cider.\u003c\/strong\u003e The neutral, uncoated body adds nothing to the taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMilk, buttermilk, juice and morning coffee\u003c\/strong\u003e, served the old way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRe-enactment, LARP and living history.\u003c\/strong\u003e Historically plausible forms with no modern shine — the set photographs beautifully at events and around a fire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInteriors.\u003c\/strong\u003e Farmhouse, rustic, cottagecore, wabi-sabi, dark academia, slow living. Left out on an open shelf or a sideboard the pitcher works as a standalone object, and it makes an excellent vase for dried lavender, wheat or eucalyptus when it isn't pouring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood photography and styling\u003c\/strong\u003e, where matte clay reads far better under natural light than reflective glazed ware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6\"\u003eBody: Natural red clay, hand thrown\u003cbr\u003eFiring: Kiln fired, then traditional milk fired\u003cbr\u003eSurface: Unglazed, sealed by the milk firing itself\u003cbr\u003eFinish: Matte, smooth to the touch, food safe\u003cbr\u003eDecoration: None applied — all colour comes from the fire\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eWhy it matters: an unglazed body breathes. It keeps drinks cold, it never crazes or chips its coating the way glaze does, and there is no glaze chemistry between your drink and the clay. The trade-off is that the material asks for hand washing — see care below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePitcher with lid\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\" class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHeight — 22 cm \/ 8.7 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eNeck diameter — 10.5 cm \/ 4.1 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWidest diameter — 13 cm \/ 5.1 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBase diameter — 9 cm \/ 3.5 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWeight — 940 g \/ 2.07 lb \/ 33.2 oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWorking volume — 1.65 L \/ 55.8 US fl oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCapacity to the brim — 1.7 L \/ 57.5 US fl oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEach cup (six included)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\" class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHeight — 11 cm \/ 4.3 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eRim diameter — 7.5 cm \/ 3.0 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWidest diameter — 8.5 cm \/ 3.3 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBase diameter — 5.5 cm \/ 2.2 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWeight — 218 g \/ 0.48 lb \/ 7.7 oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWorking volume — 300 ml \/ 10.1 US fl oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCapacity to the brim — 350 ml \/ 11.8 US fl oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eTotal set weight is approximately 2.25 kg \/ 4.9 lb. As each piece is thrown by hand, small variations of a few millimetres are normal and expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eCare Instructions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\" class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHand wash only\u003c\/strong\u003e, soon after use — do not leave liquid standing in the vessel overnight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWarm water with a soft cloth or sponge; \u003cstrong\u003ebaking soda\u003c\/strong\u003e lifts any stubborn residue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot dishwasher safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e Not for microwave, oven or open flame\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAvoid long soaking — porous clay absorbs water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDry fully, upright and uncovered, before storing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStore away from direct sunlight and away from strong-smelling cupboards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eExpect the colour to deepen slightly over the first year of use. That darkening is the piece settling in, and it is considered a good sign\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eA Gift That Lands\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eGive this to the friend who hosts — the one whose kitchen table somehow always ends up with eight people around it. It suits a \u003cstrong\u003ehousewarming\u003c\/strong\u003e better than almost anything, because it arrives ready to be used the same evening. It's a strong choice for a \u003cstrong\u003ewedding\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eanniversary\u003c\/strong\u003e, for a \u003cstrong\u003ere-enactor, LARPer or history enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e, for a mead or craft-beer drinker, for parents and grandparents who appreciate things made properly, and for anyone furnishing a first home with pieces meant to last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eGift packaging is available for a small additional fee — leave a note at checkout or message us and we'll prepare it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eShipping\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eSent from Ukraine, standard delivery 2–3 weeks; expedited available on request. Every set is padded and reinforced for international transit — protective packaging is always included in the shipping price. US orders ship with duties prepaid; buyers elsewhere are responsible for local import charges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eSome objects are bought. Others are put to work the day they arrive and are still on the table twenty years later, darker and better for it. Fill the pitcher, pass it round, and let it start earning its place in your home.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MedievalUA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51494516130098,"sku":null,"price":100.65,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/2486\/9938\/files\/medieval-clay-pitcher-and-six-cups-set.jpg?v=1784625597","url":"https:\/\/medievalua.com\/products\/medieval-clay-pitcher-and-six-cups-set","provider":"MedievalUA","version":"1.0","type":"link"}