Choosing Your Piece

Will I receive the exact piece shown in the photos?

Yes. Every piece is photographed and listed individually. The piece shown on the product page is the exact piece that will be packed and sent to you.

Is every piece one of a kind?

Each listing represents one individual piece.

Pieces from the same series may share a subject, composition, or color direction, but the brushwork, mineral texture, dimensions, and firing result will vary. No two finished pieces leave the kiln completely identical.

Why are there several pieces with the same series name?

A series is a group of works developed around the same visual idea. For example, two cups may both belong to the same deer or phoenix series while still having visible differences in their painting, color, texture, and proportions.

Each one is listed separately so you can choose the exact version you prefer.

Are the designs painted by hand?

Yes. Every image is painted by hand.

We do not use printed transfers, stickers, decals, or digitally printed patterns. Many designs also include raised mineral textures that could not be produced by applying a flat printed image.

Why do pieces from the same series look different?

Several parts of the process create variation.

The painter’s brushwork changes slightly from piece to piece. The clay, mineral materials, glaze, kiln temperature, and position inside the kiln can also affect the final result.

Even pieces painted together and fired in the same kiln may emerge with different colors and surface textures.

Are variations in color and texture considered defects?

Small differences in color, brushwork, dimensions, mineral texture, glaze movement, and firing marks are expected parts of the process.

They are not defects. They are part of what makes each piece individual.

Structural cracks, serious damage, or an unstable surface are treated differently. If you believe your piece has a genuine defect, please contact us with clear photographs.

Are the colors in the photographs accurate?

We photograph every piece individually under consistent lighting and try to represent its color as accurately as possible.

However, screens can display color differently. Mineral surfaces can also look slightly different depending on lighting and whether the surface is dry or wet.

Can a sold-out piece be made again?

We may return to the same subject or composition, but we cannot reproduce the exact color, texture, brushwork, and firing result of a sold piece.

A future piece may feel related, but it will not be an identical replacement.

Where can I find the size and capacity?

The dimensions and capacity of each piece are listed on its product page.

Because many pieces are formed and finished by hand, small differences in height, width, weight, and capacity are normal.

Materials and Making

What is rock-mineral ceramic?

Rock-mineral ceramic is made by incorporating processed mineral materials into the ceramic surface and transforming them through high-temperature firing.

The process creates the stone-like texture, layered color, and natural variation seen across our work.

Are the pieces made from actual mineral materials?

Yes. The studio works with selected rocks and mineral materials that are processed, ground, blended, tested, and developed for ceramic firing.

Different mineral elements react differently to heat and can produce different colors and textures.

Why do the raw pigments look so muted?

Before firing, many mineral materials appear grey, pale, dusty, or earth-like.

Their final colors emerge inside the kiln. Heat allows the mineral components to develop into blues, reds, greens, golds, and layered earth tones.

Why does the surface become darker when wet?

Some exposed mineral surfaces behave visually like stone after rain.

When touched by water, the color can temporarily appear deeper, richer, and more luminous. The surface gradually returns to its usual appearance as it dries.

This is a natural property of the material, not a sign of damage.

Will the mineral surface wash off or fade?

No. The surface is transformed and fixed through high-temperature firing. It will not simply wash away during normal use and cleaning.

The piece should still be treated gently. Avoid abrasive brushes, steel wool, bleach, and harsh cleaning products.

Will the outside change with use?

Some exposed mineral surfaces may gradually develop a softer, richer appearance through regular handling and contact with water, tea, or coffee.

This natural aging is often described as a patina. It is part of how the piece records use over time.

How are the pieces made?

The process may include forming the clay, trimming, drying, building the mineral texture, preliminary firing, hand-painting, glazing, high-temperature firing, and inspection.

Some pieces pass through several rounds of painting, texturing, and firing before they are complete.

How many times is each piece fired?

The number varies according to the design and technique.

Some complex works may pass through as many as five firings. Final high-temperature firings generally range from approximately 1240°C to 1290°C.

How long does it take to make one piece?

A relatively simple design may require several days of painting, but the full production process is much longer.

From forming the clay to completing the final firing, a standard production cycle may take around three months. Complex narrative scenes and highly detailed works can take considerably longer.

Where are the pieces made?

Myth & Clay was founded in Jingdezhen, China, in 2022.

Our studio team forms, textures, paints, glazes, fires, inspects, and finishes the pieces in Jingdezhen.

Everyday Use and Care

Are the pieces made for everyday use?

Yes. Although the imagery draws from murals, mythology, animals, and historic decorative traditions, our cups and plates are made as functional ceramics.

They can be used regularly rather than kept only for display.

Are the cups suitable for hot drinks?

Yes. The cups can be used for coffee, tea, hot water, milk, and other everyday drinks.

Avoid sudden temperature changes. Do not take a very cold piece and immediately fill it with boiling water.

Are the plates suitable for food?

Yes. The plates can be used for desserts, coffee, snacks, and food, or displayed when they are not in use.

Are the interior glazes suitable for food and drinks?

Yes. The food-contact interior glazes are intended for functional use and have been tested for lead and cadmium.

Why does the outside sometimes feel rough?

Many exteriors are intentionally left without a smooth glossy glaze so that the mineral texture remains visible and tactile.

The stone-like surface is an intended part of the design, not unfinished workmanship.

How should I clean my piece?

Hand wash it with a soft sponge, warm water, and mild dish soap.

Avoid steel wool, hard brushes, abrasive pads, bleach, and aggressive cleaning products.

Can I put it in the dishwasher?

We recommend hand washing all Myth & Clay pieces.

Dishwasher heat, pressure, and strong detergents may affect the mineral surface, painted details, natural patina, and any gold or silver decoration.

Can I put it in the microwave?

Do not place Myth & Clay pieces in the microwave.

This is especially important for pieces with hand-applied gold or silver details.

Can it go in an oven or on a stovetop?

No. Do not use the pieces in an oven, on a stovetop, over an open flame, or with any direct heat source.

What should I know about pieces with gold or silver details?

Pieces with hand-applied gold or silver require extra care.

Hand wash them gently and do not place them in a microwave, dishwasher, oven, or sterilizing cabinet. Avoid abrasive cleaning products that could scratch the metallic details.

Shipping and Delivery

Where do you currently ship?

We currently ship to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

Available destinations are also shown at checkout.

Is shipping free?

Standard shipping is free to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Standard shipping to the United Kingdom is free on orders over £136.

How long does delivery take?

Estimated delivery times from the order date are:

United States: 5–8 business days
Canada: 5–7 business days
United Kingdom: 3–5 business days
Australia: 4–7 business days
New Zealand: 6–10 business days

These estimates include our normal order-preparation time.

Carrier delays, customs processing, public holidays, severe weather, remote destinations, or incorrect address information may occasionally affect delivery.

How long does it take to prepare an order?

Most orders are prepared within 1-2 business days.

This preparation time is already included in the delivery estimates above. Each piece is checked individually and packed carefully before it is handed to the carrier.

Will I receive tracking information?

Yes. Tracking information will be emailed to you after your order has been handed to the carrier.

It may take a short time for the first tracking scan to appear.

How are fragile pieces packed?

Every piece is inspected and packed individually with protective cushioning suitable for ceramic shipping.

When several pieces are included in one order, they are separated and secured to reduce movement during transit.

Can I change my shipping address after placing an order?

Contact us as soon as possible.

We may be able to update the address before the parcel has been packed or handed to the carrier. Once shipping has begun, an address change may no longer be possible.

What should I do if tracking stops updating?

Tracking scans may occasionally pause while a parcel moves between facilities, carriers, or countries.

If there has been no meaningful update for several days, contact us through the Contact page and include your order number. We will review the shipment with the carrier.

What if my parcel appears to be lost?

Contact us with your order number and tracking information.

We will investigate the shipment with the carrier and determine the appropriate next step after the carrier has completed its review.

Returns and Order Help

Can I cancel or change my order?

Please contact us as soon as possible after placing your order.

If your order has not yet been packed or shipped, we will do our best to make the requested change. Once a parcel is on its way, changes may no longer be possible.

Do you accept returns?

Yes. If a piece is not right for you, please contact us within 30 days of delivery.

We will send you the return instructions before you ship it back. The piece should be unused and returned in its original condition.

Do you offer exchanges?

Because every piece is photographed and listed individually, we do not offer traditional exchanges.

You may return an eligible piece and place a new order for another available piece you prefer.

Who pays for return shipping?

If you are returning a piece because you changed your mind, return shipping is normally your responsibility.

If your order arrives damaged, incorrect, or with a confirmed problem, we will work with you on the appropriate solution.

What if my piece arrives damaged?

Please contact us within 7 days of delivery with your order number and a clear photo of the damaged piece.

If available, a photo of the shipping box may also help us understand what happened. We will review the issue and work with you to arrange a suitable solution.

What if I receive the wrong piece?

Please contact us with your order number and a photo of the piece you received.

We will check the order and help correct the mistake as quickly as possible.

Can a damaged piece be replaced?

We will always try to find the most suitable solution.

Because every piece is individually made, the exact same piece may no longer be available. Depending on the situation, we may offer another available piece, a refund, or another appropriate resolution.

When will I receive my refund?

Once an approved return reaches us and has been checked, the refund will be sent to your original payment method.

Your bank or payment provider may need a few additional business days to show the refund in your account.

What if I have another problem with my order?

Please contact us and include your order number.

We understand that each piece is special, and we will review the situation carefully and help you with the next step.

Still Have a Question?

If your question is not answered here, contact us through our Contact page.

For questions about an existing order, please include your order number so we can locate it quickly.