HOUMAIN (noun, /huːˈmeɪn/) comes from the French word humain, which means "human". The name is a combination of two words: Hu (ℏw), a concept in Egyptian mythology representing creative power, written in French as "Hou", and "main," the French word for hand.
About Us
Functional ceramics are unlike any other art form: they’re made to be used, touched, and appreciated in everyday life. Our mission is to inspire joy and mindfulness by facilitating the distribution of these handmade pieces and to elevate daily moments with unique and enduring tableware.
Our Values
We believe that everyone should be able to bring meaningful, beautifully crafted objects into their daily lives. Yet finding the high-quality ceramic work of professional artists is often limited to seasonal markets, and online shopping usually requires knowing the artist beforehand. We help bridge that gap by taking on the marketing for professional ceramic artists, making it easier for customers to discover and purchase exceptional handmade tableware year-round.
Our Values
Across all continents and great civilizations we share a history with pottery. We aim to carry on this tradition by showcasing the artists behind each piece and the artisanal processes that bring their work to life.
Our Values
We focus on timeless, well-made objects rather than fast trends. The pieces we showcase are created through slow, traditional methods that take time to do well. This means some items have a 1–3 month lead time. We see this wait as part of the experience: it reflects the care, patience, and craftsmanship behind each piece, and the lasting quality we enjoy using day after day.
Note from the founder
Thank you for stopping by!
I began my career as an actuarial scientist and later worked in venture capital, drawn by the discipline of actuarial analysis and venture‑backed innovation. I approached ceramics with the same mindset: practical, curious, and eager to master an ancient craft. What I found was a discipline that demands not just creativity, but deep technical knowledge and patience.
As I spent time working with clay, I came to appreciate the expertise involved at every stage from forming a pot to understanding glaze chemistry, firing atmospheres, and materials that don’t always behave as expected. That experience gave me a lasting respect for the professional ceramicists who dedicate their lives to this craft. I founded Houmain to facilitate the discovery, appreciation, and collection of lasting handmade tableware.
I invite you to explore the collections of the artists on Houmain and find the same mindfulness and passion for ceramics I found in the studio.
Rahel Haile
