Neither Limoges porcelain nor glassware by Baccarat: the luxury tableware of the Basque Country is made of stone
Neither Limoges porcelain nor glassware by Baccarat: the luxury tableware of the Basque Country is made of stone
Raising the gastronomic experience to the category of art is the goal of Hartea, a company that manufactures stone dishes and centerpieces for tables by hand. These objects ensure that the attention of diners is not only focused on the food, but also on the tableware on which it is presented – thus enriching the culinary experience. During the manufacturing phase, the thermal qualities of the materials are taken into account (the pieces can be cooled or heated), their aesthetics (the intrinsic beauty of the stone), their touch (rough and polished surfaces that play with this sense), and their ergonomics (due to the weight of the material, each millimeter is carved to follow the shape of one’s fingers, the palm of one’s hand, and natural movements – thus making the pieces easier to be enjoyed by diners and waiters).
The types of stone used vary: marble, limestone, sandstone, volcanic or basaltic rocks – the majority from Basque quarries. As Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “each material has its own message and, to the creative artist, its own song.” In this company’s case, the creative artist who chooses the materials and works them until achieving unique pieces is Joseba Lekuona Yaben, an artist who specializes in stonework and has been trained in ancient techniques as applied to stone. In his 25 years of experience, he has restored medieval sculptures, Romanesque capitals, old fireplaces, carvings, heraldic charges, and even baptismal fonts through traditional techniques. Since 2006, he has exclusively dedicated his work to the manufacture of dishes for fine dining and stone and marble sculpture.
The most popular products by Hartea that clients often ask for include the complete sets of tableware –featuring up to 10 plates– carved from a single stone. These can preserve their original shape, with a rough and rugged texture, or be more refined, taking on the smooth shape of a perfect cylinder. In any case, as they are made of a natural materials, each piece is unique and unrepeatable.
While the majority of the pieces are made to order for restaurants with Michelin Stars and luxury yachts, Hartea also periodically presents collections for private homes, which can be purchased at its Urnieta workshop, online, and at BASQUE LUXURY STUDIO.
Hartea
Tel.: +34 628 552 300
