There's something irreplaceable about a hand-painted ceramic bowl or dinner plate. Each piece from the Ivanros family workshop in Córdoba, Spain is painted by hand — which means tiny variations in the brushwork, the colour depth, and the finish that you simply won't find in mass-produced tableware. Caring for them correctly means they'll look just as good a decade from now as they do when they first arrive.
What makes hand-painted ceramics different?
Hand-painted ceramics are covered with a food-safe glaze that seals the painted decoration and makes the surface smooth and non-porous. The glaze is what gives these pieces their lustrous finish and protects the painted design underneath. With a bit of care, the glaze stays intact and the colours remain vivid — but harsh treatment can cause it to dull or craze over time.
Washing: hand wash is best
The gentlest option is always hand washing in warm water with a mild dish soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge — avoid steel wool, abrasive scourers, or anything that could scratch the glaze surface. Rinse well and let pieces air dry, or dry immediately with a soft cloth to avoid water marks.
If you do use a dishwasher, place pieces on the lower rack away from the heating element, and use a gentle or eco cycle. Repeated dishwasher use can gradually dull the glaze and fade the painted details over time, so hand washing when you can will extend the life of the decoration significantly.
Temperature: avoid sudden changes
Ceramics don't love dramatic temperature swings. Going straight from the fridge to a hot oven, or pouring boiling liquid into a cold bowl, can cause thermal shock — small cracks in the glaze or body of the piece. Let pieces come closer to room temperature before exposing them to heat, and don't place cold ceramics directly on a hot stovetop.
- Fine for: oven warming at moderate temperatures (check individual product listings)
- Fine for: serving hot food and drinks
- Avoid: direct flame or stovetop use
- Avoid: going straight from freezer to oven
Microwave use
Most of the Ivanros ceramics are microwave-safe for reheating food, but check the base of your piece or the product listing to confirm — some decorative glazes contain metallic elements that should stay out of the microwave.
Storage: protect the glaze when stacking
Stacking plates and bowls directly on top of each other is one of the most common causes of surface scratches on glazed ceramics. The unglazed foot (the rough ring on the base) of the piece on top grinds against the glazed surface below it every time you move the stack.
A simple fix: place a soft cloth, felt pad, or piece of kitchen paper between each stacked piece. Plate separators — small felt or foam discs — are inexpensive and available in most kitchen shops. Your ceramics will thank you for it.
If a piece chips
Minor chips on the foot of a piece don't affect its food safety. A chip on a rim or interior surface is worth assessing — for serving pieces, small chips in the glaze can harbour bacteria in deep cracks. When in doubt, retire a chipped piece to decorative use only.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Ivanros ceramics from Kiki Bazaar dishwasher safe?
Yes — they can go in the dishwasher on a gentle cycle, lower rack. Hand washing is recommended for pieces you want to keep looking their best long-term, as repeated machine washing can gradually dull the painted finish.
Can I use these ceramics in the oven?
Many of the Ivanros pieces are suitable for moderate oven use. Check the individual product listing for specifics. Avoid stovetop or direct flame use.
How do I know if my ceramic is food safe?
All ceramics sold at Kiki Bazaar are food safe. The painted decoration is sealed beneath a food-safe glaze. If a piece chips significantly on an interior surface, we'd recommend using it for decorative purposes only.
Will the painted design fade over time?
With proper care — hand washing, gentle storage — the painted designs stay vivid for many years. Repeated harsh dishwasher cycles are the most common cause of fading over time.
Shop Kiki Bazaar ceramics
Browse the full range of hand-painted ceramics and pottery, including Ivanros dinner sets, bowls, platters and mugs. For the full table setting, explore our table and dining collection.
