Frequently Asked Questions
MATERIALS AND PRODUCT NATURE
The images online show some of the items from the current batch and represent the overall style, design, size, and color of the pieces. Each piece is handmade and unique, so variations and slight differences in size, shape, capacity, glaze application, texture 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 works are made from stoneware clay, 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 pieces — making the clay waterproof and extremely robust.
For food-centered items, commercially made glazes are used, which are food-safe and lead-free. For decorative items or parts that do not come into direct contact with food (e.g., the exterior of a cup), occasionally locally sourced natural materials (wild clay, sand, stones) can be incorporated 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 Ondou works — where each piece is slightly different — it is not possible to offer personal selection of individual items. However, if you order multiple items from the same series, I will do my 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 piece is not marked as a limited edition, it may eventually be restocked. However, since all items are produced 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 piece is not marked as a limited edition, you can email to request a pre-order piece. Availability depends on the materials and studio schedule, but if it is possible to accommodate your request, the production begins once payment is received. Please note that made-to-order items typically take up to 8 weeks (or more) to complete, depending on the complexity of the order and current workload.
COLLABORATIONS, CUSTOM ORDERS, WHOLESALE
Yes. Please include project details in your inquiry. A catalogue is available upon request; limited editions and one-of-a-kind objects are possible to discuss.
It depends on the inquiry — feel free to reach out. Please note that custom orders often have different pricing compared to the pieces added to the online shop. Production for custom orders typically takes up to 8 weeks or more, depending on the complexity of the request and our availability.
I welcome all inquiries and love discussing possibilities and conditions. Feel free to reach out with your ideas!
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 one-person studio and usually 2–5 work days are needed to carefully prepare your order for shipping. After that, delivery times depend on the postal service. Ondou ships with Lithuanian Post, which typically delivers packages within the European Union in 4–10 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 prior ordering. For more detailed information see Shipping Policy page.
All orders are carefully packed using recyclable paper materials and shipped in recycled and recyclable cardboard boxes. Because shipping ceramics requires extra cushioning, sometimes recycled packing materials are used to minimize waste. This means you might occasionally find plastic bubble wrap or various types of paper used as cushioning.
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. The studio is not open for public visits at this time, but it may be possible to arrange a meeting in the Palanga area if you’d like to connect in person. Reach out via email.
Currently no. However, if you have an event idea where Ondou ceramics could be a good fit, feel free to send an email.