Contemporary Ceramics Inspired by Nature and Architecture.
Kirsten Dryburgh is a seasoned ceramicist based in Aotearoa with over 25 years of experience spanning pottery, floristry, and sculpture. A graduate of Elam School of Fine Arts, she draws inspiration from classical design and urban architecture, reinterpreting traditional forms into contemporary, story-rich ceramics.
Working from her Grey Lynn studio, Kirsten uses locally sourced and imported stoneware clays, with glazes influenced by Auckland’s volcanic geology—incorporating natural elements like rocks, sand, and mineral-rich waters. Her pieces blend functional and sculptural forms, crafted through wheel throwing, press moulding, slab construction, and hand-building techniques.
Each piece reflects Kirsten’s deep respect for materiality, the mark of its making — the weight of stoneware, and depth of glaze, the confidence of a craft refined over decades.
Featured Maker
Explore All Makers【47】Contemporary Ceramics Inspired by Nature and Architecture.
Kirsten Dryburgh is a seasoned ceramicist based in Aotearoa with over 25 years of experience spanning pottery, floristry, and sculpture. A graduate of Elam School of Fine Arts, she draws inspiration from classical design and urban architecture, reinterpreting traditional forms into contemporary, story-rich ceramics.
Working from her Grey Lynn studio, Kirsten uses locally sourced and imported stoneware clays, with glazes influenced by Auckland’s volcanic geology—incorporating natural elements like rocks, sand, and mineral-rich waters. Her pieces blend functional and sculptural forms, crafted through wheel throwing, press moulding, slab construction, and hand-building techniques.
Each piece reflects Kirsten’s deep respect for materiality, the mark of its making — the weight of stoneware, and depth of glaze, the confidence of a craft refined over decades.
process Dryburgh Pottery

“I love making teapots and domestic ware and the idea of the daily ceremonies that they will perform."

The Olpe Stoneware Vase takes inspiration from ancient vessels, its tall, slender neck and long handle an Etruscan form reimagined in contemporary New Zealand clay. Hand-thrown from black stoneware with a rich, chocolate-toned semi-matte glaze. Each piece stamped with a maker’s mark at the base.

A selection of black glaze tile samples by Kirsten while developing the Blackware collection, exclusively for Handcrafted Modern. Each glaze finish is the result of countless hours of testing and refinement.





![Pyxis Stoneware Lidded Bowl [03]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0594/9675/9409/files/Pyxis_3.jpg?v=1749011925&width=1200&height=1600&crop=center)
![Pyxis Stoneware Lidded Bowl [04]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0594/9675/9409/files/Stoneware_Pyxis.jpg?v=1749011473&width=1200&height=1600&crop=center)
![Pyxis Stoneware Lidded Bowl [05]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0594/9675/9409/files/Pyxis5.jpg?v=1749012332&width=1200&height=1600&crop=center)







![Stoneware Footed Bowl [Large]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0594/9675/9409/files/Stoneware_Footed_Bowl.jpg?v=1748833990&width=1200&height=1600&crop=center)
![Organic Lexicon Vase [14]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0594/9675/9409/files/EmptyName36.jpg?v=1765769269&width=1200&height=1600&crop=center)
![Organic Lexicon Vase [07]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0594/9675/9409/files/KDW-07.jpg?v=1738626705&width=1200&height=1600&crop=center)
