Nini Striped Stoneware Bowl 9cm - Multi

This is a small footed bowl in handpainted stoneware, 9cm across and 6.5cm tall, with multicoloured vertical stripes that run from the rim down over the flared foot. It holds 170ml, which makes it a little serving bowl rather than a cereal bowl: a handful of berries, a portion of yoghurt, a dip or a scoop of ice cream. The stripes are painted by hand and the brush shows in them, with soft edges and lines that are not quite ruler-straight. Seen from above, the rim has a gently uneven line.

At the breakfast table it is the right size for berries, chopped fruit or yoghurt. Later in the day it works as a dip bowl, a dish of olives or nuts beside drinks, or a small dessert bowl for mousse or ice cream. The raised foot lifts it a little off the table, which makes a modest portion look generous and gives an ordinary snack a sense of occasion. A few down the middle of a dinner table, each holding a different dip or sauce, look cheerful and relaxed. It suits anyone who likes a bit of colour and pattern at mealtimes.

It is made entirely of stoneware with a handpainted finish and weighs 0.18KG, light enough to pass round the table with ease. Stoneware is fired at a high temperature, which makes it dense and hard-wearing. The maker lists it as suitable for the dishwasher, the microwave and the oven. It can go in with the rest of the crockery after a meal, warm a little sauce or custard in the microwave, or go into the oven with a portion of crumble. Inside, the bowl is left plain, so whatever you serve stays the centre of attention. For styling, set it beside plainer plates and mugs, where its stripes give the table a lift.

How big is the bowl, and how much does it hold?

It is 9cm across and 6.5cm tall and holds 170ml, a small serving size for berries, yoghurt, a dip or a sauce.

Can it go in the dishwasher?

Yes. The maker lists it as suitable for the dishwasher, so it can go in with the rest of your crockery after a meal.

Can I use it in the microwave or the oven?

Yes to both. The maker lists it as suitable for the microwave and the oven, which is handy for warming a little sauce or a portion of pudding.

What material is it?

It is made entirely of stoneware with a handpainted finish. The stripes are brushed on by hand and run down over the foot.

How heavy is it?

It weighs 0.18KG, so it is light to lift and pass round, and the raised foot holds it a little off the table.

What foods does it suit?

At 170ml it suits small portions such as berries, yoghurt, olives, nuts, a dip, a sauce or a scoop of ice cream, rather than a full meal.