Grün Dish

Lorraine Formato

Grün Dish 
The Grün Dish is a handbuilt stoneware vessel constructed using the coil method, resulting in a shallow, circular form with subtly irregular edges that underscore its handmade character. The surface treatment preserves the natural tactility of the clay body, with proportions suited for multifunctional use.

Designed as a versatile domestic object, the dish can hold keys, loose change, jewelry, lighters, or other small personal items. It may also serve as a smoking dish, a trinket holder, or a soap dish for bath products such as bath bombs. Its restrained form allows it to transition seamlessly between functional and decorative roles in a variety of interior settings.

Lorraine Formato’s work is grounded in the ceramic traditions of Western North Carolina. Born in Stokes County, North Carolina, she was one of eight children raised on a tobacco farm and educated herself through books.

Her career has spanned decades, with formative connections to the legacy of Black Mountain College and a pivotal role in the revitalization of Asheville’s River Arts District. Known for both her mastery of rare glaze techniques and her experimental approaches to firing—including multi-firings and raku—Formato’s practice merges utilitarian design with a sculptural sensibility deeply informed by regional history and a lifetime in the arts.