Frequently Asked Questions
MATERIALS AND PRODUCT NATURE
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 of our products—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 required to make ceramics waterproof, food-safe, and durable. However, because Ondou ceramics are high-fired stoneware, they already are waterproof and durable. As a result, we often glaze only the interior of the item to ensure 100% waterproofness and easy cleaning. For items that do not aesthetically require a glazed exterior, we decorate them in other ways, exposing the natural materials we admire. These natural surfaces offer a warm, soft-to-the-touch feel, in contrast to the glass-like finish of glazed surfaces. We also appreciate how unglazed surfaces evolve with time and use—becoming more polished with every wash and every touch.
PRODUCTS AND ORDERS
The product images online show some of the items from the current batch and represent the overall design, size, and color of the piece, but each item is handmade and therefore, truly one of a kind. Variations in glaze application, as well as slight differences in size, shape, and capacity, are to be expected. Dimensional variations may be approximately ±1 cm, capacity ±50 ml, and weight ±50 g.
Unfortunately, no. As an e-shop, and due to the handmade nature of our products—where each piece is slightly unique—we are unable 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.
Yes and no. If the product is not marked as a limited edition, it will eventually be restocked. However, since we produce products in small batches and each batch can vary, we cannot guarantee 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 us 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 3 to 8 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the order and our current workload.
It depends on the inquiry—feel free to email us, 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 our shop products. Production for custom orders typically takes 3 to 8 weeks, 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
The high-fired stoneware is extremely durable and resistant to scratches and common damage but all ceramics remain brittle and can break if exposed to excessive force. Please avoid thermal shock, which can cause cracking or breakage, do not expose your pottery to sudden temperature changes. For example, avoid placing a cold dish in a hot water or immersing a hot dish in cold water.
In general, high-fired ceramics are safe for the dishwasher, but handwashing is always recommended for handmade products. For Ondou items, we recommend paying attention to each individual piece and considering its shape and decoration before placing it in the dishwasher. Highly textured or intricately decorated items, e.g. with local clay, should be hand-washed, as the dishwasher may damage the decor.
Small items, such as cups, plates, and bowls, are typically dishwasher-safe. Larger items, like teapots, vases, and purely decorative pieces, should always be handwashed to avoid the risk of breakage or chipping.
It is possible to use ceramics in the microwave, but it is not recommended. Clay is a highly conductive material, meaning the piece will become very hot to the touch. If necessary, small items like cups, bowls, and plates can be used in the microwave, but please exercise caution and avoid overheating. Larger or more complex items, such as teapots, should not be used in the microwave.
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
Please read our Returns and Refunds Policy page.
Ondou is a small business, and we take 2–5 days 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.
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.
BEHIND THE BRAND
Ondou is currently based in the Palanga area of Lithuania, a beautiful coastal region by the Baltic Sea. While our 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.