Ceramics are hands down my favorite souvenir to shop for when I travel. There’s something truly special about bringing home a piece that’s been shaped by hand, steeped in centuries of tradition, and entirely unique to its place of origin. Whether it’s Delftware from Amsterdam, pottery from Puglia, delicate porcelain in Vietnam, or aptware from Provence, every piece holds a little slice of the journey. They become not just souvenirs, but stories, little reminders of the people, places, and moments that made each trip unforgettable.
Unlike the typical trinkets that often collect dust, these finds are functional (and occasionally not-so-functional) works of art: timeless, beautiful, and deeply personal. They’re part of my home now. Little stories on my shelves and tabletops that remind me of where I’ve been.
And yes, figuring out how to get them home safely? That’s an adventure in itself (shoutout to my carry-on packing skills and an unhealthy amount of bubble wrap). Alas, it’s worth it every time! Here are some of my favorite pieces I’ve collected over the years to spark some inspiration for your next adventure.
In the top left of the photo above is a royal Delft piece that I got in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a great place to get blue and white porcelain, also known as Delftware. I picked up this vase on our Atlas Adventures trip there last winter.
While technically not a ceramic, on the bottom row is an antique Alabaster sphinx from Egypt that I got on a trip there with Andrew. The sphinx represents health and protection, so it felt like a good omen to keep in our home.
From one of my favorite antique shops in Florence, I picked up a miniature bust. A bust is a nice, old-world, and poetic kind of souvenir. It’s such a delightful touch to keep in your home. I also have a miniature statuette from the same shop on these bookshelves (not pictured).
The painted vase in the above photo is hands down one of my favorite pieces. I purchased this hand-painted vase at an antique market in Lisbon on a scouting trip. The colors are so beautiful! Out in the garden, I have a lovely ruffled trim blue and white vase that I picked up at the same antique market in Lisbon where I found my vase.
In the kitchen, I keep a footed bowl that I got at my favorite antique shop in Amsterdam, another Delftware piece that was only thirteen euros! It’s a perfect place to store produce on the kitchen counter.
During a trip to Vietnam, I picked up two small antique bowls from the Ming Dynasty, and they have so much character! A true antique, they have a few chips, but that makes them even more charming as these have been well-loved. They’re full of life and history. I also picked up a vase on that same trip. You can see the wide selection of vases, cups, bowls, and platters from the shop below.
In the small town of Apt in Provence, I picked up a beautiful blue and white marbled plate. If the plate were cracked, you’d see the marbling all the way through. It’s handmade, and each piece is completely unique. On the same trip, I picked up a beautiful set of matching cups and saucers. The flowering detail is all done by hand. I was able to meet the woman who makes them, and every time I have my matcha or flat white in the morning, I’m transported back to that special memory.
Ceramics are some of the most unique ways that you can bring your travels home with you, and I love the way it’s brought so much personality, life, character, memories, and stories to our home. Interested in a grand tour of my favorite ceramic and antique shops? Our team can customize your next trip with stops at these shops and more. Reach out today to schedule a consultation call.
