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Willow Tree Decor branded box

We believe in meaningful connections—ones that celebrate craftsmanship, sustainability, and the preservation of artisan skills. If you share our passion for beautifully handcrafted decor, protecting the environment, and supporting small artisan communities, we’d love to hear from you.

There’s no requirement to purchase our products—just a potential opportunity to introduce them to your own community while creating something mutually beneficial. By working together, you’ll be providing another route to market for our talented artisans, ensuring their time-honoured skills continue to thrive. Whether you're a boutique owner, interior designer, or simply someone who believes in the value of sustainable, handmade craftsmanship, we’d love to explore how we can collaborate.

Drop us a message, and let’s start a conversation.


From River Clay to Finished Ceramic

A behind-the-scenes look at every stage of the process, photographed at the family's workshop in Southeast Asia.

Meeting the Family

Meeting the Family

Every piece begins here. Ian is based in SE Asia and visits this family's workshop regularly (he's got the best job!). It's where we've built a relationship rooted in trust, craft, and shared values. The lady here is K. Max (nickname). Her skill is incredible!

The Wood-Fired Kiln

The Wood-Fired Kiln

At the heart of the workshop stands a traditional wood-fired brick kiln. The same design used by the family for generations.

Kneading the Clay

Kneading the Clay

The process starts with clay sourced directly from the local river. Each batch is kneaded by hand to remove air and achieve the right consistency.

Max shaping the clay

Max shaping the clay

Working with steady hands and practised instinct, the clay takes its first form on a traditional potter's wheel.

Skilled Hands on the Wheel

Skilled Hands on the Wheel

No two pieces are shaped in exactly the same way. Each one responds to the touch of the maker.

Selecting the Carving Tool

Selecting the Carving Tool

Once the clay is firm enough, the artisan selects a hand tool to begin carving. The designs are drawn from the family's own creative tradition.

Hand Carving the Pattern

Hand Carving the Pattern

Each pattern is carved freehand, a skill that takes years to develop and cannot be replicated by machine.

Filling the Firing Pots

Filling the Firing Pots

The finished pieces are carefully packed into large firing pots, which protect them and control the flow of heat and smoke during firing.

Adding Rice Husks

Adding Rice Husks

For the distinctive black and grey finishes, rice husks (a by-product of the local rice harvest) are added to the firing pots. The husks reduce oxygen inside the kiln, creating the deep, smoky tones.

Loading the Kiln

Loading the Kiln

The firing pots are loaded into the kiln by hand. The placement affects how heat and smoke move around each piece. Another variable that makes every item unique.

Stacking in the Kiln

Stacking in the Kiln

Inside the kiln, pieces are stacked with care. The firing process takes hours, with the wood fuelling a slow, controlled burn that develops the final colour and finish.

Rice Husks: Nature's Colouring

Rice Husks: Nature's Colouring

A simple, natural by-product of the harvest. Rice husks have been used for centuries to create the rich, earthy tones that define our ceramics collection.

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