Some things in life are meant to be savoured—matcha, of course, but also the vessels we use to prepare and enjoy it. At Thea, we believe that every element of the matcha ritual carries meaning, which is why we were drawn to collaborate with Nathan of Studio Foon, a New Zealand-based ceramicist whose work embodies both function and artistry.

 

See the ceramics collection made exclusively for Thea below and here.

 

Our connection with Nathan was serendipitous, sparked by a chance encounter at an exhibition. But the collaboration itself was deeply intentional. With a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, ritual, and connection, we set out to create a collection of chawans (tea bowls) and chasen (tea whisk) holders that honour the art of matcha preparation.

Nathan's creativity on display on his instagram @studiofoon

The Path to Clay

For Nathan, pottery wasn’t always the plan, but creation was inevitable. His creative impulse has always been hands-on, from making small objects for his home to refining his craft through countless hours of experimentation. What started as a part-time passion soon became a full-time calling, leading him to leave his job and commit fully to the art of ceramics.

“I’ve always wanted to fill my home with things I made,” he reflects. “Now, I get to create objects that fill other people’s spaces, too.”

His process is as methodical as it is creative. “I really enjoy designing on paper first, visualising how the pieces will function and considering how they might look beside each other or stack neatly. My process involves many iterations, constantly measuring both the piece and the amount of clay. Constant glaze testing and adjustments. It’s a process of refinement until I’m confident I can reproduce the product to the best of my ability.”

He draws inspiration from unexpected places: a vintage stacking cup in an op shop, the clean lines of Hasami Porcelain, a piece of furniture in a design museum. “I’m constantly taking photos—whether it’s of old plastic '70s stacking cups in op shops, pieces of furniture in design museums, or finds while shopping in Japan. These objects and experiences have definitely influenced my approach to designing and making.”

Nathan's creations @studiofoon

Ceramics as a Vessel for Connection

Collaboration has always been a natural extension of his practice. “I see ceramics as a vessel for connection,” he says. “I happened to bump into May (Co-owner of Thea Matcha) at a mutual friend Jeff Chen’s exhibit, and it all just sparked from there.”

While Japanese tea culture played a role in shaping the design of our chawans and chasen holders, Nathan was more drawn to the philosophy behind it rather than aesthetics alone. “Even though I’m Chinese, I’ve spent more time in Japan, where I’ve been exposed to the ritualistic and meditative nature of tea culture. For me, it was less about aesthetic influence and more about bringing that sense of intention into my pieces.”

Bridging functionality and beauty was a challenge, but one he welcomed. “The real challenge,” he notes, “is getting people to care about the ritual itself—to use high-quality matcha, to prepare it with tools made with thoughtfulness. When you do, it changes the experience entirely.”

A Life in Clay

Living in Gisborne, surrounded by beaches and open space, provides him with the mental clarity to focus on his craft. “Living in a smaller town like Gisborne gives me so much more mental space to focus on my ceramics. The slower pace, the beautiful beaches, and the ease of getting anywhere in five minutes all contribute to a lifestyle that supports my craft and creativity.”

When asked what he hopes people feel when using his ceramics, his answer is simple: connection. “I hope they feel the care that went into it,” he says. “That they slow down, that they appreciate it—not just as an object, but as something that adds meaning to their everyday life.”

He shares a fascinating insight: “Only recently I learned that clay has memory. I was making a set of bowls, and they came out of the kiln slightly warped. If you bend or warp a piece while making it, even if you smooth it out, the clay can remember the movement. During firing, hidden stresses can cause warping or cracking as the clay tries to return to its earlier shape.”

Looking Ahead

With a mind that’s always brimming with ideas, Nathan has no shortage of projects on the horizon. One of his long-held dreams? A ceramics studio and coffee shop, a space where people can gather, create, and share in the experience of handcrafted artistry.

“So many ideas and projects on the horizon, some already in the works and others still to manifest—and hopefully a bunch more collabs! I’ve always wanted to have a coffee shop/ceramics studio, and I’m currently in the process of planning the concept and how I want it to feel. That’s the next thing I’m putting some time and energy into.”

But for now, he remains rooted in the present—honing his craft, sketching new forms, and continuing to refine his process. His advice for aspiring ceramicists is simple:

 “It’s funny because I asked that question to many established ceramic artists when I first started taking it seriously. What I’ve learned is that the ceramics community is incredibly open. So my advice would be to dive in, whether it’s learning from other potters, picking their brains, going onto community forums. There’s a wealth of knowledge out there, and many people are more than willing to share. If you ever want to ask me any questions, send me a message on Instagram.”

At Thea, we couldn’t be more grateful to be part of that exchange, bringing his artistry into the daily rituals of matcha lovers everywhere.

Explore the collaboration, and experience the ritual for yourself.