Ceramics: Imiso The Dawn of A New Era

Imiso Ceramics [South Africa]

Four dynamic individuals; Andile Dyalvane, Abongile Madabane, Zizipho Poswa and Mlamli Charles Mayosi came together in June 2006 to form Imiso Ceramics, a contemporary range of ceramic products. Today just Andile Dyalvane and Zizipho Poswa remain at the helm. ‘Imiso’ means ‘Tomorrow’ in Xhosa and formed the basis of the company’s slogan ‘Dawn of a new era’ and defines the hopes and dreams the owners have for themselves, the future and their flourishing business. Based in Woodstock, Cape Town the four owners are committed to building a uniquely South African brand and have a strong determination to inspire other up-and-coming artists and entrepreneurs; this has seen the business take on two talented artists as orders continue to increase.

[Image credit: Imiso Ceramics]

Imiso Ceramics has a distinctive signature style; combined with an African aesthetic. I see a strong Surrealism influence running through the decoration, in the form of Spanish painters, sculptors and ceramicists; Pablo Picasso – a pioneer of Cubism and Joan Miró – whose work exhibited freedom and energy.

[Image credit: Imiso Ceramics]

From the beginning Imiso Ceramics chose to manufacture and sell their ceramics from the same place and attribute this to the success of the business, as customers are able to watch and interact with the artists at work, helping to form a bond with the products they go on to purchase. Imiso Ceramics also exports its products to Paris, New York and Austria; and have supplied the US-based Anthropologie stores.