Spilling the Tea (Cup)

People with Taste: Danielle Chutinthranond, Ceramic Artist behind Monsoon Pottery

You know the drill… This week, we are spilling the tea on an incredible local ceramic artist, Danielle Chutinthranond of Monsoon Pottery. Danielle handcrafts stunning tableware inspired by classic Asian motifs and art history as well as restaurant and food culture. Her work is artful, made to last and so classic that they can be passed down as heirlooms (like this etched platter).

We connected with Danielle through attending one of her clay carving events and through her recent collaboration with Jean Cate of Center of Order & Experimentation, a former People with Taste-er. Together, they designed the exquisite Petal Collection, a set of porcelain teaware inspired by the petal-shaped rims of historic Asian ceramics. If you want a truly satisfying experience, watch her throw and trim a Petal tea cup. She describes her connection with her clay as a true relationship, evident in her work, which ranges from custom collaborations to the plates at Giant, a James Beard award nominee. She truly has incredible taste. Hear more about what is inspiring Danielle lately…

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“I feel lucky to live in a city with an expanding Chinatown and my two current favorites are both on South Halsted St. The first is Min’s Noodle House, which serves Chongqing cuisine (a sub-style of Sichuan cuisine). Order the cold Sichuan spicy chicken noodles or anything in “The Chunking” section. Tied in my heart is Four Seasons Dumpling, which serves Northern Chinese cuisine. Order the northern style pancake, cumin lamb, and lamb & dill dumplings.”

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“Now that summer is in full swing, I’m cold brewing tea almost every night. I like to alternate between batches of green and red teas. I recommend trying Volition Tea’s High Mountain Dragonwell and Red Jade teas. For a strong brew, mix 1g of tea for every 2oz of cold water. Leave it to steep in your refrigerator overnight and wake up to a refreshing jolt. Add ice if desired.”

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“When the Radical Clay exhibit was on view at the Art Institute, I was fascinated by Hosono Hitomi’s Pine Tree Pool. Using traditional techniques pioneered by the English porcelain house, Wedgwood, Hosono created her own vernacular for Jasperware. To say I’m inspired by this sculpture and her work is an understatement.“

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“I try to minimize decision-making on high energy studio days and that means having a uniform. I live in a rotation of Alex Mill jumpsuits and the latest addition to the collection is this cream-colored one that reminds me of porcelain.”

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What's next for Monsoon Pottery?

This summer, she'll be lending her beautiful pieces for a curated dinner party by Closed Loop Farms and a hosting a fermentation workshop at the Roof Crop. Danielle also offers private events, including tea tastings and clay carving workshops.

You can shop her handmade collections on her website and even pick up locally in Chicago! Follow Danielle on Instagram to stay updated.

Thank you, Danielle, for having great taste!

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