Care & Use

Care & Use

Crafted for the Table, Not the Cabinet

Tavola Piena pieces are made to be used—every day, not just on special occasions.
Each item is hand-painted and twice-fired in Italy using traditional techniques. With proper care, your pieces will age beautifully and remain part of your table for years.

Everyday Use

Dishwasher

Dishwasher safe.
However, we strongly recommend hand washing to preserve:

  • color vibrancy
  • glaze integrity
  • long-term appearance

If using a dishwasher:

  • use a gentle cycle
  • avoid overcrowding
  • use mild detergent

Microwave

Safe for standard microwave use.

Avoid overheating empty pieces or exposing them to extreme temperature shifts.

Oven & Heat

Not recommended for oven use or direct heat exposure.

Understanding Natural Characteristics

Variation in Design

Each piece is painted freehand.

You will notice slight differences in:

  • brushstroke
  • spacing
  • pattern flow

These are not flaws—they are what make each piece unique.

Crazing (Fine Lines in the Glaze)

Over time, fine hairline lines may appear in the glaze.

This is called crazing, and it is:

  • a natural characteristic of traditional ceramics
  • cosmetic only
  • not a structural defect

To minimize crazing:

  • avoid rapid temperature changes
  • do not move directly from refrigerator to hot water or microwave

Subtle Surface Variation

Because of the firing process, you may see:

  • slight tonal variation
  • small irregularities in the glaze

These are normal and part of authentic production.

Due to the handcrafted nature of our products, variations and natural characteristics described above are not considered defects.

Handling & Storage

  • Avoid stacking without protection if possible
  • Use soft liners or padding between pieces when storing
  • Do not slide stacked plates against each other

These simple steps help prevent surface wear over time.

Cleaning Best Practices

For best long-term results:

  • Wash by hand using warm water and mild soap
  • Dry with a soft cloth
  • Avoid abrasive sponges or cleaners

Durability Expectations

Tavola Piena ceramics are durable for everyday dining use, but they are not indestructible.

Like all ceramic tableware:

  • impacts can cause chips or breakage
  • careful handling is recommended

A Note on Longevity

Well-cared-for ceramic pieces develop character over time.
Small signs of use are part of a living table—meant to be gathered around, not preserved untouched.

Questions?

Contact us at info@tavolapiena.com if you have any questions about caring for your pieces.