The relationship between gastronomy and plates as artistic handmade ceramic tableware developing in parallel with 21st century life practices

Since the existence of humanity, nutrition has been a physiological need for human survival and has formed the foundation of the concept of food. This concept has played a significant role in shaping societies' eating and drinking habits as well as the cultural identities. With the advent of cooking, nutrition transcended beyond mere physical needs; over time, the pursuit of diverse flavors and aesthetic presentations also gained importance. This transformation influenced the tableware ceramics, which were initially produced for personal use. Plates, in particular, have gradually evolved over time into design-focused products that incorporate aesthetic elements and have advanced according to the characteristics of the dishes. This thesis examines the history of plates and the relationship between plates and gastronomy in the context of artistic tableware ceramics, which have evolved in line with the lifestyle practices of the 21st century. The transition from industrial production plates to boutique and handcrafted plates production has also been evaluated. This research aims to explore the importance of plate design in the interaction and harmony between food and tableware ceramics. Furthermore, it identifies the position of the ceramic artists and chefs and provides new suggestions. The study adopted a qualitative research method through an art-based research approach, and collected data through interviews with chefs and ceramic designers-producers, observations, and literature review. Based on the findings, the artistic handcrafted plates were analyzed for their aesthetic, functionality, cultural value, and craftsmanship. The interpretation suggests that handcrafted ceramic plates are unique pieces that bear the traces of their maker, accompany the story of the meal, and offer an aesthetic and visual experience beyond taste. Handmade ceramic plates have transcended beyond objects of use and have become a tangible and enduring reflection of gastronomy, which has gained a meaningful place in contemporary cultural production. Hence, it is expected that this study will theoretically and practically contribute to the development of a new perspective on tableware ceramics in today's context.