Textured bowl, Adinkra pattern

In Ghana, the Gye Nyame symbol means “except God”: nothing is above him.

On the inside rim of this bowl, a caramel ochre band stands out against the white: the Gye Nyame symbol alternates with columns of wavy lines. The pebbled exterior remains white and textured to the touch. It is our tribute to the iconic “Adinkra” fabric.

✦ The story of the pattern

Adinkra symbols are a visual language of the Akan people in Ghana. They can be found on fabrics, jewelry, and architecture, like proverbs worn on one’s person.

• Adinkra (Ghana, Akan): a visual language in which each symbol represents a proverb or philosophical idea.
• Gye Nyame (Ghana, Akan): “except God,” the symbol of divine omnipotence and one of the most widespread.

✨ What the pattern tells

Each Adinkra symbol carries a proverb. The pattern thus speaks of humility and wisdom, a message to be deciphered with the eyes every time you sit down to eat.

Our interpretation

The Adinkra repertoire is not reproduced exactly: it is redesigned as a band and placed inside the bowl, where the Gye Nyame alternates with caramel ochre wavy lines on a white background. The pebbled exterior retains its raised texture and whiteness, like a matte case around the design. Each bowl is decorated to order in our Alfortville workshop: the pattern is prepared, applied, and glazed by hand before firing.

At your table

In the morning light or at the end of the day, on a raw linen tablecloth, the bowl is placed before each guest and the ochre band is revealed at the bottom. As a gift, it carries a simple wish: that of a word of wisdom passed on to the person who receives it.

Features

• Contents: 1 bowl, pebbled exterior (raised texture), pattern on the inside.
• Colors: caramel ochre and white.
• Material: porcelain.
• Dimensions: pebbled bowl, Ø 14 cm, height 7 cm.
• Personalization: colors, first name, date, or short message upon request.
• In case of breakage: replacement of the individual item, same pattern and same dimensions, provided the shape remains in the catalog.
• In the same pattern: rectangular earthenware platter, breakfast set, mug, set of 6 round plates, set of 12 square plates.

A color, a first name, a date to add to this bowl? Write to us: each Adinkra symbol carries a proverb, and yours can be added to the piece.