When you set a table, you’re not just placing plates and bowls - you’re setting a scene, creating a mood, telling a story. Some tableware is functional. Some is beautiful. But Wonki Ware is something more: a celebration of craftsmanship, human touch, community, and the art of being perfectly imperfect. At One.World, we’re delighted to share the story behind this remarkable collection.
A Story Rooted in South Africa’s Creative Spirit
More than 25 years ago, on South Africa’s Garden Route, artist and founder Di Marshall began experimenting with clay in a small studio in George. What started as a personal creative project soon blossomed into something extraordinary.
Today, Wonki Ware employs around 120 artisans from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering training, stability and a livelihood built around craftsmanship. As Di beautifully puts it:
“The vibrant, warm spirit of Africa is clearly visible in our pottery, and I thank our potters and South Africans for their enthusiasm and love for what we do.”
Wonki Ware isn’t simply pottery — it’s a community.
14 Pairs of Hands: The Journey of Every Piece
The magic of Wonki Ware lies not only in the final product, but in the process.
Each item — whether a dinner plate, serving platter or bowl — travels through at least 14 pairs of hands from start to finish.
Every step is done by hand:
- Clay is shaped and rolled by local artisans
- Selected designs are hand-pressed with lace, creating a completely unique pattern
- No two impressions are ever the same
- Glazes are applied individually by hand, resulting in beautiful tonal variations
- Pieces are fired, finished and refined with care
This is why Wonki Ware feels alive. It carries the energy of the people who made it — their skill, their touch, their rhythm.
Perfectly Imperfect: The Wonki Ware Aesthetic
True to its name, Wonki Ware embraces the beauty of imperfection.
Edges aren’t machine-cut. Shapes aren’t uniform. Glazes move organically. But this “wonkiness” is exactly what makes the range so striking - and so beloved.
Why it stands out:
- Every piece is one-of-a-kind
- Textures vary based on the artisan’s lace pattern
- Colours range from earthy neutrals to vibrant washes
- Designs mix effortlessly, making the table feel curated rather than matched
- The collection feels timeless, yet full of character
Whether you’re laying a casual breakfast table or hosting a candlelit dinner, Wonki Ware adds a subtle yet captivating presence.
A Sustainable Approach to Craft
In a world leaning increasingly toward fast production and mass manufacturing, Wonki Ware stands proudly in contrast.
Its approach is inherently sustainable:
- Handmade, not machine-produced
- Natural materials
- Long-lasting quality
- Ethical employment and artisan training
- Traditional skills kept alive through daily practice
When you bring Wonki Ware into your home, you’re not just buying a dish — you’re supporting craftsmanship and creating meaningful economic impact in a South African community.
How to Style Wonki Ware at Home
One of the joys of Wonki Ware is how effortless it is to use. There are no rules — mix colours, layer patterns, combine shapes.
Ideas for styling:
- Create a tonal table: choose one colour family but vary the designs and shapes.
- Mix neutrals and brights: a dark grey wash plate teamed with a duck egg blue mug looks stunning.
- Choose one hero piece: a large serving platter makes an ideal centrepiece.
- Use texture as the star: let the lace impressions be the highlight of a simple table.
Wonki Ware is designed for everyday living - sturdy, functional, dishwasher-friendly and beautiful enough to leave on open shelving.
Bring the Spirit of Africa to Your Table
Wonki Ware is more than dinnerware.
It’s a connection - between maker and user, between Africa and the world, between craft and daily life.
With its organic shapes, vibrant glazes and distinctive textures, it transforms the simple act of setting the table into something soulful.
Explore the Wonki Ware collection at One.World and let your table tell a story of creativity, community and the beauty of imperfection.
The Wonki Ware Collection
HANDCRAFTED DESIGNS
Each item — whether a dinner plate, serving platter or bowl — travels through at least 14 pairs of hands from start to finish.
Wonki Ware Duck Egg Classic Mug
£20
Wonki Ware Duck Egg Studio Line 250ml Jug
£35
Wonki Ware Duck Egg Studio Line 500ml Jug
£40
Wonki Ware Gingham Duck Egg Squat Mug
£20
Wonki Ware Studio Line Classic Mug
£20
Wonki Ware Studio Line Squat Mug
£20
Wonki Ware White Large Salad Bowl
£89
Wonki Ware White Large Serving Bowl
£55
Wonki Ware White Serving Platter
£55
Wonki Ware White Waxline 1L Jug
£55
Wonki Ware White Waxline 500ml Jug
£40
Wonki Ware White Waxline Squat Mug
£20
Wonki Ware White XL Serving Bowl
£98
Wonki Ware White XL Serving Platter
£75
Wonki Ware 16 Piece Mixed Pattern Dinner Service Blue
£375
Wonki Ware 16 Piece Plain Wash Dinner Service Black
£375
Wonki Ware 16 Piece Plain Wash Dinner Service Blue
£375
Latest from the Magazine
-
Win £250 One.World & Charles Farris Gift Vouchers
We've partnered with Charles Farris London to give one lucky winner the chance to transform their home with a £250 One.World voucher and a £250 Charles Farris voucher. Enter now for your chance to create a space that's as inviting...
Win £250 One.World & Charles Farris Gift Vouchers
We've partnered with Charles Farris London to give one lucky winner the chance to transform their home with a £250 One.World voucher and a £250 Charles Farris voucher. Enter now for your chance to create a space that's as inviting...
-
One.World Interior Design Service: A Q&A With H...
Meet Hannah Deacon, founder of Studio Deacon, as she shares her design journey, timeless interiors advice and how the new One.World Interior Design Service helps create homes that are both beautiful and personal.
One.World Interior Design Service: A Q&A With H...
Meet Hannah Deacon, founder of Studio Deacon, as she shares her design journey, timeless interiors advice and how the new One.World Interior Design Service helps create homes that are both beautiful and personal.
-
How to Create a Timeless Alfresco Tablescape in...
Create a timeless alfresco dining tablescape with our six simple styling steps. From choosing the perfect teak dining table to layering tableware and adding thoughtful finishing touches, discover how to create an outdoor setting made for gathering together all summer...
How to Create a Timeless Alfresco Tablescape in...
Create a timeless alfresco dining tablescape with our six simple styling steps. From choosing the perfect teak dining table to layering tableware and adding thoughtful finishing touches, discover how to create an outdoor setting made for gathering together all summer...
