Keramiko Design

For millennia, Greeks have used ceramic vessels to store and carry some of the best things in life: wine, olive oil, water. 

But pottery has always been much more than just a means to an end for us. Our ancient culture’s hand-hewn creations were a medium for unbridled artistic expression. You only have to look at the arresting forms and intricate designs unearthed by archaeologists over the centuries.

But if you think that Greek ceramics are merely relics to be confined to a museum, you’d be very wrong. As Greece’s art renaissance continues to flower, the contemporary Greek ceramic scene (we confidently predict) will blow your mind. 

See if you agree as one of Athens’ hottest hubs for contemporary ceramic design, Mon Coin Studio, stages an exquisite exhibition of 57 influential Greek designers and ceramists, in the historic quarter of Monastiraki.

Spearheaded by Mon Coin Studio founder Eléonore Trenado-Finetis as a way to “spark a dialogue between ceramics and design”, the Keramiko showcase was evidently inspired by the recent discovery of prehistoric baby bottles – clay vessels that might have been used to contain milk and wean children more than 5,000 years ago. 

If you do fall madly in love with contemporary Greek ceramics, pop into Mon Coin’s other site in Koukaki and scoop up some stylish souvenirs to take home.