Ceramic Fruit Bowl III 2025 by Nicolaas Maathuis

Made entirely by hand, this ceramic fruit bowl is constructed from individually shaped sections of clay arranged to create a repeated pattern of circular openings. The openwork structure gives the vessel a graphic and sculptural character, while the spaces between the sections keep the form visually light. The bowl is finished with a transparent glaze after the first firing, allowing the ceramic surface and handmade construction to remain visible. 

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.