Questions
Questions about the work
For anything not covered here, write to the studio.
Is each piece one of a kind?
Every piece is thrown and finished by hand — never cast. Most are unique; some are made in a small run, such as a few mugs thrown and glazed together, and even then no two come out of the kiln identical. Each piece’s own page says which it is.
What makes a handmade ceramic piece collectible?
What makes a piece collectible is the maker's hand, the materials and firing behind it, and the fact that it cannot be exactly repeated. Provenance matters too: work that is documented and traceable to its maker is easier to trust and to keep. These pieces are stoneware, made individually in Iceland by a third-generation ceramic artist, and numbered pieces are recorded in the Piece Registry.
How is each piece documented?
Each piece has its own page with its photographs and record. Numbered pieces are also entered in the Matiass Preiss Piece Registry with their serial number, collection, clay body, glaze, firing notes and photographs, and dimensions where measured. Once a piece sells it is not removed — it moves to the sold archive and stays part of the permanent record, so its history remains verifiable.
Are the pieces made for daily use?
Yes, they are made for daily use. Ask the studio about a specific glaze before using a piece for food or drink, or in a dishwasher or microwave. Guidance on living with the work is in the care guide.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes. Pieces ship from Iceland, packed by hand and double-boxed for ceramic transport. The exact shipping cost and delivery estimate for your country are confirmed by email before payment.
Can I commission a piece?
Commissions are considered on a limited basis. Because the work is slow and made in small groups, timelines depend on the studio's current schedule. Write to the studio with what you have in mind and it will be answered personally.
How do I know a piece is authentic?
Numbered pieces are recorded in the Piece Registry, where their record and photographs are held, and each carries its own code on the base that can be looked up there. The registry is the studio's own permanent record of its numbered pieces.
See the works, look up a piece in the Piece Registry, ask about a private commission, or read the studio story.