Oema's inspiration is rooted in a deep curiosity about what it means to feel at home. Home not just a physical space where we reside, but as a place where we connect with ourselves and others, where we find comfort and refuge, and where we create meaningful rituals.

The commitment to handcrafted ceramics is an expression of this understanding. By creating pieces that are not only beautiful but practical and durable, Oema seeks to foster a sense of connection and joy in the homes of its customers. From savoring a cup of tea in a handmade mug to lighting a candle in a beautifully crafted holder, these simple acts can bring a sense of calm and peace to our busy lives.

Through its commitment to creating long-lasting pieces that inspire practical rituals, Oema encourages a deeper appreciation for the beauty and meaning that can be found in our everyday lives. By infusing our homes with a sense of joy and connection, we can create spaces that nourish and sustain us, and that truly feel like home.

Ana de Souza is a Brazilian designer and ceramicist behind each Oema piece. Ana's journey and Oema's history intertwined with the places and cultures that were part of her journey. While studying design and ceramics, Ana continued her exploration of the craft by living in various countries, including Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary.

Each of these experiences has profoundly impacted Ana's design sensibility, which is characterized by a combination of minimalist, elegant, and thoughtful forms. This unique blend creates the essence of the treasures that carry the Oema name.

The word Oema is derived from the letters of the sentence "Mario oleiro" in Portuguese, which translates to "Mario the potter". Mario de Souza was Ana’s grandfather and a highly skilled potter.

When Ana founded Oema, she drew on her grandfather's and great-grandfather's pottery legacy to create contemporary and deeply personal pieces. She combines modern design sensibilities with a sentimental touch, creating both functional and meaningful pieces.

For Ana, the act of creating ceramics is a way to connect with people and promote a sense of self-care through the care of one's home. By creating beautiful, functional objects that are designed to be used and enjoyed every day, Ana hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for the simple pleasures of life and the importance of taking care of oneself and one's surroundings.

Manifesto

The Slow and Limited Production

At Oema, each piece of handcrafted ceramic is made with care and attention to detail. The slow and deliberate nature of the ceramic process is honored, resulting in a small-batch production of limited pieces per style.

Making Objects to Last

Quality and longevity are paramount to Oema's approach to design. The brand exclusively works with high-quality clay, fired at high temperatures, and glazes safe for use in microwaves and dishwashers. These pieces are intended to be cherished and used frequently over a long period of time, with minimal maintenance required. Each piece is thoughtfully created to stand the test of time and to bring joy to everyday rituals.

Process

Crafting ceramics is a time-intensive process that requires patience and attention to detail. At Oema, Ana personally models, finishes, and glazes each piece of ceramic at her private studio in Barcelona.

Before the shaping process, the clay is prepared by being weighed and wedged until it becomes homogenous and air pockets are removed. Using a potter's wheel, water, and various tools, Ana handcrafts each piece of ceramic.

After a day of drying, the shaped piece is ready to be trimmed, and the base is finished and stamped. Depending on the design, additional touches are made while the piece is still slightly moist. Carvings may be added, and handles may be attached.

Once the piece has dried for a few days, it's ready for the first firing. The bisque firing process takes two days and reaches temperatures up to 950°C.

After the bisque firing, the pieces are glazed using various techniques that depend on the design. After one day of drying, the glazed pieces are ready for the high-temperature firing, which takes two days and reaches temperatures up to 1250°C. The result is a functional and food-safe piece of ceramic that is designed to last for many years to come.