Ceramic Fruit Bowl II 2024 by Nicolaas Maathuis

This ceramic fruit bowl is entirely handmade from individually shaped sections of clay. The repeated circular openings form a distinctive pattern across the vessel while allowing the overall bowl shape to remain clearly visible. The open structure creates a balance between solid ceramic form and empty space, giving the object a light and sculptural character. After the first firing, the bowl is finished with a transparent glaze. Each piece is unique, with subtle variations resulting from the handmade process.

Nicolaas Maathuis is a Dutch visual artist and designer. Born on June 23 in Deventer, the Netherlands, he followed a diverse educational and professional path, studying at the conservatory (ArtEZ), the Rietveld Academy, and the University of Amsterdam. His interests have ranged from music and pedagogy to visual art and law before he established himself as a visual artist and designer.

Maathuis works across painting, drawing, ceramics, furniture and applied art, often combining artistic ideas with functional objects. His work is characterised by simplified forms, a strong use of colour, and hand-drawn and handmade elements, with an interest in bringing art into everyday surroundings.

Maathuis lives and works in Buren, the Netherlands.