Frequently Asked Questions
MATERIALS AND PRODUCT NATURE
The product images online show some of the items from the current batch and represent the overall style, design, size, and color of the pieces. Each item is handmade and unique, so variations in glaze application, as well as slight differences in size, shape, and capacity, are to be expected. Items within the same batch may differ from those pictured. Dimensional variations are approximately ±1 cm, capacity ±50 ml, and weight ±50 g.
All Ondou products are made from stoneware clay, a blend of clay and stone particles, and are fired at a high temperature of 1220–1240°C. This choice of material and firing temperature ensures the durability and functionality of the items — making the clay waterproof and extremely robust.
For food-centered items, we use commercially made glazes that are food-safe and lead-free, ensuring they are safe for everyday use. For decorative items or parts that do not come into direct contact with food (e.g., the exterior of a cup), we occasionally incorporate locally sourced natural materials like sand, local clay, and stones to create unique finishes.
This is an aesthetic choice with sustainability in mind. Functionally, glazes are used to make ceramics waterproof and durable. Ondou ceramics are high-fired stoneware, which naturally becomes non-porous and food-safe through the firing process. For practical purposes, the interior of vessels — and the rims — are always glazed to ensure complete waterproofing, easy cleaning, and food safety.
Items that do not require a glazed exterior for functional or aesthetic reasons are decorated in other ways, leaving the natural clay exposed. These unglazed surfaces offer a warm, soft-to-the-touch feel, in contrast to the glass-like finish of glazed surfaces, and they develop character over time, becoming subtly polished with use and washing.
ORDERS & WEB-SHOP
Unfortunately, no. As an e-shop, and due to the handmade nature of our products — where each piece is slightly different — it is not possible to offer personal selection of individual items. However, if you order multiple items of the same product, we will do our best to select pieces that complement each other whenever possible.
This can’t be specified, as the rhythm of the studio shifts — some periods are dedicated to developing new pieces, and others to making small batches of existing designs. Updates about upcoming restocks are usually shared on Instagram, so that’s the best place to follow.
Most available pieces are added to the shop, but you’re always welcome to double-check via email or Instagram message.
The easiest way is to follow Ondou on Instagram, where upcoming pieces and restocks are usually announced in advance. You can also subscribe to the newsletter, as subscribers are notified before a shop update goes live.
Yes and no. If the product is not marked as a limited edition, it will eventually be restocked. However, since all items are produce in small batches and each batch can vary, it is not guaranteed that the next batch will be exactly the same as the previous one.
If the product is not marked as a limited edition, you can email to request a pre-order piece. Availability depends on our materials and schedule, but if we’re able to accommodate your request, we’ll begin production once payment is received. Please note that made-to-order items typically take up to 8 weeks (can be more) to complete, depending on the complexity of the order and current workload.
It depends on the inquiry—feel free to email, and we’ll let you know if it’s something Ondou can create. As long as the request aligns with our unique style and materials, we’re happy to explore the possibility. Please note that custom orders often have different pricing compared to the shop products. Production for custom orders typically takes up to 8 weeks or more, depending on the complexity of the request and our availability.
We welcome all inquiries and love discussing possibilities and conditions. As a small business, we work in small batches, so our capacity may be limited. However, we’re open to exploring wholesale collaborations that align with our values and unique style. Feel free to reach out to us with your ideas—we’d love to hear from you!
PRODUCT CARE
Ondou pieces are crafted as functional art objects — they are made from high-fired stoneware, which makes them durable and suitable for everyday use. With proper care, they are made to last for many years.
General Care of Ceramics
I. Avoid sudden temperature changes. E.g. do not pour boiling water into a piece that has been stored in the refrigerator, and avoid running cold water over a very hot piece.
II. Wash gently. Use a soft sponge and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive or metal scrubbers, especially on highly textured or decorated surfaces.
III. Dishwasher use: pieces with standard glazes are dishwasher safe. However, hand-washing is recommended to preserve very textural surfaces.
IV. Microwave use: possible, but not recommended, as the clay can become very hot.
V. Pieces with wild clay surfaces: should be hand-washed only using gentle sponges. These pieces are not dishwasher or microwave-safe.
Optional Deep Care
Some designs feature more porous surfaces or intentional glaze crazing — fine surface lines in the glaze that resemble cracks but do not affect the structural integrity of the piece. Over time, light surface staining from dark liquids may occur. To refresh the surface, the piece can be soaked in rice-washing water (the starchy water from rinsing rice), either cold or warm. The natural starches help draw out minor impurities and may subtly smooth the surface. This traditional method is gentle and non-permanent, but can help maintain the appearance of ceramics over time. Alternatively, the surface can be gently cleaned using baking soda.
High-fired ceramics are safe for the dishwasher, but handwashing is recommended to preserve the character of handmade pieces. For Ondou items, consider each piece’s shape and decoration before using a dishwasher. Simpler forms and fully glazed pieces can be washed in the dishwasher, while items with textured surfaces, special decorations, or exposed clay are best hand-washed. Dishwashers and harsh detergents may not break the item itself, but they can gradually soften or wear down the decoration and alter its original finish.
Not recommended. While ceramics can technically go in the microwave, clay is highly heat-conductive, and the piece can become very hot to the touch. This can easily lead to accidents, such as dropping the item unexpectedly. Please exercise caution and avoid overheating. Ondou items decorated with wild clay are especially not recommended for microwave use, as the original finish may be affected, similar to the warnings about dishwashing.
Use a brush and warm water with soap or baking soda to clean the surface. If the unglazed surface has absorbed the smell of incense, hot water or a disinfectant can be used. Be sure to dry the item thoroughly before reusing.
SHIPPING AND PACKAGING
Ondou is a small studio and usually 2–5 days are needed to carefully prepare your order for shipping. After that, delivery times depend on the postal service. We ship with Lithuanian Post, which typically delivers packages within the European Union in 3–10 days. Shipping to countries outside the EU may take longer—sometimes up to a month or more. Please keep this in mind when placing your order, especially during busy periods or holidays. You can always email us prior ordering. For more detailed information see Shipping Policy page.
We do our best to prevent breakage during shipping. All orders are carefully packed using recyclable paper materials and shipped in recycled and recyclable cardboard boxes. Because shipping ceramics requires extra cushioning and space, we also recycle packing materials whenever possible. This means you might occasionally find plastic bubble wrap or various types of paper used as cushioning. We do this to minimize waste and be as sustainable as possible while ensuring your ceramics arrive safely.
Please read our Returns and Refunds Policy page.
BEHIND THE BRAND
Ondou is based in the Palanga area of Lithuania, a beautiful coastal region by the Baltic Sea. While the studio is not open for public visits at this time, we’re happy to arrange a meeting in the Palanga area if you’d like to connect in person. Email us!
As our studio is not open to the public, we currently do not host workshops or events on-site. However, if you have an event idea where Ondou ceramics could be a good fit, we’d love to hear about it! Feel free to email us, and we’ll explore whether it’s something we’d be interested in collaborating on.