Skip to main content
1% of Sales Are Donated to Our Community Partner

How to Care for Your Pots: The Matisse Collection

There are two types of pieces in this collection, and each has its own set of care instructions.

You did it—you got your hands on something special. A plate, perhaps, from our new Matisse Collection. Or, a new favorite mug.

This collection has been over two years in the making. It’s the result of a meticulous collaboration with Les Héritiers Matisse, through which we’ve sought to honor the integrity of Henri Matisse’s work with as much care and fidelity as we bring to our own craft.

Every detail, from the exacting shade of blue to the precise edge of each line and shape, was pored over. As much of Matisse’s work moves into the public domain this year, this collection is our way of marking that transition, a way of tending to his legacy as it steps into a new era of shared cultural ownership.

There are two types of pieces in this collection, and each has its own set of care instructions:

Pottery with Artwork

A close-up of an East Fork place setting with a Matisse Collection salad plate featuring a bold blue abstract leaf decal atop a La Sirène blue dinner plate. A deep blue mug, a folded cream napkin, a fork, glass of water, and scattered citrus fruits with leaves add texture and color to the red patterned tablecloth.

Yes, you can eat off your Matisse Collection! While these pieces might look like they belong on a gallery wall, they were made to be used—mugs, plates, and serving pieces alike. That said, they do ask for a bit more care when it comes to cleaning.

The decal process is intricate: it starts with a silk screen, used to apply colored ceramic pigments onto paper. A coating is added to help the decal adhere to the surface of the plate. The image is then carefully transferred onto the glazed ware, soaked in water, and fired again at a low temperature, leaving behind a crisp, permanent design.

We recommend treating these pieces with extra care. Wash them by hand using warm water and mild soap. Avoid the dishwasher, microwave and oven if you can—the high temperatures and aggressive detergents can wear down the decals over time.

With time and frequent use, you may notice some light cutlery marks. These are normal and can be gently buffed away using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar Keeper’s Friend. (Our team has tested this our thoroughly on the pots with decals—it works like a charm!)

Pottery in La Sirene

A wooden dining table set with vibrant blue La Sirène plates from East Fork’s Matisse Collection. A small plate with a blue decal of a cut-paper-inspired leaf sits atop a larger blue plate. Nearby, there are clementines with leaves still attached, a tall candle, water glasses, and neatly folded napkins, creating a lively, artful tablescape.

La Sirène is our new solid blue glaze, developed as a complement to the Matisse decal pieces. These plates can be cared for like any other East Fork pot: dishwasher safe, microwave safe, and oven safe, too. Just be sure to place it in a cool oven and let it warm up gradually—rapid temperature changes can cause thermal shock.

With time and frequent use, you may notice some light cutlery marks. These are normal and can be gently buffed away using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar Keeper’s Friend.

East Fork pottery is built for daily life. We make it to be used, placed in the microwave, then the dishwasher, then used again. That said, a little care goes a long way. Wash with intention, don’t place over an open flame, and remember: heat things gently, love them well, and they’ll serve you for years to come.

The Matisse Collection will be available for pre-order beginning April 25, 2025. Due to the special nature of this collection, pre-orders will be open intermittently as supplies last.

An animated image that says "East Fork is a vessel for" a rotating number of things