Key points
- Pottery in western Asia dates to the Pottery Neolithic, from about 6900 BCE; the potter's wheel came later, in the fourth millennium BCE.
- Market estimates point to continued growth in ceramic tableware, with hospitality, e-commerce and customisation among the drivers.
- Care properties depend on each product's body, glaze and decoration — never assume one rule for all ceramics.
A short history
Pottery is one of the oldest material traditions. The Metropolitan Museum of Art notes that people in western Asia were making pottery during the Pottery Neolithic, from about 6900 BCE, and that the potter's wheel was invented later, in the fourth millennium BCE. The Victoria and Albert Museum describes studio pottery — ceramics made by individual artist-potters in their own workshops — emerging as a distinct practice in the early twentieth century.
The market today
Market estimates vary by research provider. Fortune Business Insights valued the global ceramic tableware market at USD 13.43 billion in 2025 and projects growth to USD 24.91 billion by 2034, citing hospitality demand, e-commerce and interest in sustainable and customisable designs. Treat such figures as estimates rather than guarantees.
What shapes taste now
Contemporary stoneware is often valued for warmth, texture and individuality: hand-dipped glazes, earthy tones, organic forms and pieces that suit everyday dining rather than only formal settings. For businesses, the shift means ceramics are increasingly part of brand identity — the cup becomes part of the experience guests share.
Practical care
- Check each product's verified care properties before using it in a microwave, dishwasher or oven.
- Avoid sudden hot-to-cold changes unless a piece is designed for them.
- Use non-abrasive cleaning to keep glaze surfaces looking new.
- Store plates in even stacks and avoid sliding pieces across each other.
- For gifts and hospitality, include care instructions with the product.
Common questions
How old is pottery?
According to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, pottery was being made in western Asia during the Pottery Neolithic, beginning about 6900 BCE.