Dezeen Magazine

Piamundo's Volcanic Rock Collection includes carved dish for guacamole

Bowls for serving Mexican snacks like guacamole and tortillas are among the pieces in this collection crafted from volcanic rock, launched by design brand Piamundo.

Volcanic Rock Collection by Piamundo

The aptly named Volcanic Rock Collection includes dishes of various sizes and other accessories for the home, all carved from stone found in the Mexican state of Puebla.

Piamundo, founded by Kathrin Schmidiger Torres, sourced the range from designers and studios who work closely with craftspeople across the country. Bowls are by Ayres, run by Joana Valdez from Yucatán and Karim Molina from Caracas, Venezuela, while the homeware is by Victor Medina for ATA.

Volcanic Rock Collection by Piamundo

Ayres' items include a shallow circular dish with a small square handle on the side, which is designed to be used as a fruit bowl, or serving the popular avocado-based dip, guacamole.

Volcanic Rock Collection by Piamundo

"The simple, utilitarian design is inspired by the Pre-Hispanic culture in Mexico," said a description from Piamundo.

Two other bowls in the series are larger, and both have profiles that angle out from the top then back inwards towards their bottoms.

Volcanic Rock Collection by Piamundo

One comes with a lid made from Caribbean walnut, which slots neatly into the top and is removed by a small loop in the centre. The wooden lid helps keep flour tortillas for tacos warm and moist when stored inside.

The second, intended as a fruit bowl or a pot for growing succulents, features vertical ridges around its circumference.

Volcanic Rock Collection by Piamundo

Alongside the tableware, the collection also includes Medina's set of vases for flowers or other decorative pieces. Each has a different sculptural form, carved to highlight the texture of the rock.

"These vases are designed with the idea to create innovative, but simple shapes so the technique can speak by itself and not get lost in too many details," said Piamundo.

Volcanic Rock Collection by Piamundo

Smaller candle holders comprising stacked blocks with chamfered corners, also by Medina, were originally commissioned by a non-profit organisation.

"The geometric shape of the candle holders gives them a very contemporary and sleek look," the brand said. "Their true character comes out after their first couple uses when the wax gives them an additional layer of design."

Volcanic Rock Collection by Piamundo

Volcanic rock is a popular choice for homeware items, particularly in areas like South and Central America where it is found in abundance, because it is so easy to carve.

Mexican studio Davidpompa has used the material as bases and caps lamps, Chile-based Bravo! shaped it into a collection of 80 vessels, and Peca – also from Mexico – crafted blocks into shelves and cubbyholes.