Vibrant hand-painted ceramics celebrating New Zealand’s natural beauty – from native birds to coastal landscapes, each piece is a unique work of art.
Painted Pacific Pottery creates vibrant, hand-painted ceramics that celebrate New Zealand’s stunning natural environment. Each piece features detailed illustrations of native birds, coastal scenes, and botanical motifs, transforming functional pottery into collectible art. Based in Northcote, Auckland, the studio produces distinctive ceramics that have become treasured pieces in homes throughout New Zealand and beyond.
Key Facts
- Studio: Painted Pacific Pottery
- Location: Northcote, Auckland
- Specialty: Hand-painted ceramics, native bird designs
- Style: Vibrant, detailed, nature-inspired
- Each Piece: Individually hand-painted and unique
Artistic Style
Painted Pacific Pottery is distinguished by its vibrant colour palette and detailed naturalistic illustrations. Unlike mass-produced ceramics, each piece is individually hand-painted, making every item truly one-of-a-kind.
Native Bird Designs
New Zealand’s unique native birds feature prominently across the collection. Tui, fantail, kereru, and kingfisher appear in lifelike detail, often surrounded by native flora. These designs celebrate the rich birdlife that makes New Zealand’s natural environment so special.
Coastal & Botanical Themes
Beyond birds, Painted Pacific draws inspiration from New Zealand’s coastlines, native plants, and seasonal flowers. Pohutukawa, kowhai, and flax feature alongside ocean scenes and beach landscapes.
Vibrant Colour Palette
Bold, bright colours bring these designs to life. The distinctive palette combines natural tones with unexpected pops of colour, creating pieces that stand out in any setting.
Product Range
Mugs & Cups
The signature mugs are perhaps the most popular items, featuring detailed bird portraits and floral designs. These functional art pieces make morning coffee feel special and are collected by enthusiasts across New Zealand.
Plates & Bowls
Serving pieces and decorative plates showcase larger designs with room for detailed scenes. From appetizer plates to fruit bowls, these pieces combine functionality with artistic expression.
Vases & Decorative Pieces
Purely decorative items allow for more elaborate designs. Vases, planters, and ornamental pieces bring colour and nature into any room.
Tile Art
Hand-painted tiles can be displayed individually or arranged in groups. These make excellent gifts and allow collectors to build custom wall arrangements over time.
Craftsmanship & Process
Hand-Painting Technique
Each piece is individually painted by skilled artists. Using fine brushes and ceramic glazes, detailed designs are built up layer by layer before firing. This labour-intensive process ensures every piece has character and individuality.
Quality Ceramics
The pottery base is sourced from quality suppliers and finished to ensure durability. Pieces are food-safe and suitable for everyday use, though many collectors choose to display their favourites.
Kiln Firing
After painting, pieces are fired at high temperatures to permanently set the glazes. This process creates the vibrant, durable finish that characterises Painted Pacific ceramics.
Collecting Painted Pacific Pottery
Many customers begin with a single mug and find themselves building collections over time. The variety of designs and ongoing new releases make Painted Pacific Pottery highly collectible.
Building a Collection
Start with pieces that feature your favourite birds or plants, then expand to include different shapes and designs. Many collectors focus on specific themes – native birds, coastal scenes, or particular colour palettes.
Limited Editions
Seasonal and limited edition designs create opportunities for collectors seeking rare pieces. These special releases often sell quickly and become sought-after items.
Complementary Pieces
Painted Pacific ceramics pair beautifully with other New Zealand pottery, including works by Bob Steiner. The vibrant illustrations offer a colourful contrast to more minimal ceramic styles.
Where to Find Painted Pacific Pottery
Auckland Stockists
Selected Auckland galleries and gift stores stock Painted Pacific ceramics. The Northcote Pottery Centre and surrounding areas offer good opportunities to see pieces in person.
NZ Gift Stores
Premium gift retailers throughout New Zealand carry selected designs. These pieces make excellent souvenirs and gifts that celebrate New Zealand’s natural heritage.
Online
Many pieces are available through New Zealand online retailers, with nationwide shipping making it easy to add to your collection regardless of location.
Explore More NZ Ceramics
Discover other talented New Zealand ceramic artists including Bob Steiner’s sculptural fish, and explore our complete NZ Ceramic Art Guide.