Not that we need much encouragement to drool over anything made by Heath Ceramics, but this new line of tableware strikes me as particularly breathtaking. A collaboration with Natalie Chanin, this is what happens when you hand a fashion designer known for intricate stitchery and organic design a piece of clay.
Everything from the muted color palate to the intricate etching works for me. The "stitch" patterns add a sense of depth and texture to the plates, but I don't think they would be distracting in the presence of food.
These dishes are also different. Etching on the outside of bowls and cups, yes. Swirls of color on plates, sure. But actual texturing on the eating surface of dishes? That's new to me. And I like it.
Take a Look! Alabama Chanin Tableware from Heath Ceramics
Yes, I covet each and every piece. What do you think?
Related: The Well-Stocked Kitchen: Our Essential Serving Dishes
(Images: Heath Ceramics)
How to Bake a Potato: Three Easy Methods
How To Cook Tender, Chewy Wheat Berries on the Stovetop
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Straw Mat from The ...
10 No-Fail Decor Tricks & Tips for Small Spaces
Beth's Romantic & Retro Residence
Nice to look at, but I had ridged dishes at one point and the uneven surface was a huge hassle to clean (by hand).
beautiful- but at 230$/place setting not an option for many of us
I fell in love with a black textured set of dishes at Target but failed to get the cash to purchase them before they were done away with...they still haunt me.
Also consider studio potters' work if you are intrigued by texture and pattern!
Your local craft stores, art fairs, etc., are great places to look for wares that cannot be duplicated in factory production.
Heath Ceramics is a great example of a bridge between industrial design and the handmade, but don't overlook individual artists' work!
My mom has a set of white heath dishes from the 70s that looks exactly like the white dishes in the picture. Heath is pricey, but so beautiful. They sell seconds at some of their stores at a discount. Also, I've seen vintage Heath on Etsy, Ebay and Craigslist on the cheap.
How exactly do you get the bits of food out of all those tiny impressions?
Display or fruit bowls maybe, but imagine trying to clean a plate after a pesto dinner....
It’s great to see feedback here on our collection. The surface for these etched pieces is glazed and quite smooth, with only a slight textural variation. So food doesn’t get stuck to the surface. It’s actually easy to clean, and, of course, our dinnerware is dishwasher safe.