Porcelain is a material that has captivated us with its delicate beauty and refined aesthetics over the centuries. From its beginnings in China to the present day, it has remained a symbol of prestige and artistic perfection. It is in this spirit that Nika Stupica and Boštjan Jan create under the Kaolin by Nika Stupica brand , which combines the rich tradition of porcelain with modern design trends and a love of handcraft.
The name Kaolin comes from the Chinese term gaoling , which means "high hill" and refers to the area where the purest porcelain clay was first mined. This noble raw material is a key part of the creative process of Nika and Boštjan, who have won the hearts of ceramic lovers at home and around the world with their unique aesthetics. Their products, recognizable by their playful dots, sophisticated lines and pastel tones, bring warmth and elegance to every home.
Behind the success of Kaolin is the story of two individuals who joined forces in both their private and business lives. Nika, a Slovenian porcelain designer, has become synonymous with high-quality, sophisticated and playful porcelain products with her brand. Her journey into the world of design began in childhood, when she was attracted to the power of clay and creative processes. Despite being an art teacher by education, she delved into the techniques of designing porcelain as a self-taught material, which she completely conquered with its subtle fragility and durability.
Her products combine functionality and artistic aesthetics. Cups, plates, vases and lamps attract attention with their minimalist design and sophisticated details – often decorated with playful dots, stripes and subtle color accents. Each product bears her personal mark and tells a story of her love for the material, the mistakes that she turns into advantages, and the constant exploration of the expressive possibilities of porcelain.
She is joined by Boštjan Jan, a private and business partner who takes care of the technical and business aspects of the operation. "Working in the studio is a real synergy," she explains. "Nika can focus on creativity, and I make sure everything runs smoothly." Their mutual support is the key to success and is reflected in the quality of the products, the brand's recognition and the ever-growing interest in their work - both at home and abroad.
Their creative oasis is a studio in the picturesque village of Repnje pri Vodiceh, where visitors immediately find themselves in the world of porcelain - between the smell of fresh pigments, a mountain of molds and the warmth of hands that shape each piece individually. To share their love for this prestigious material, Nika and Boštjan regularly organize workshops and invite you to open days every year in the pre-Christmas period.
Nika's pedagogical streak drives her to share her passion for creation with others. She has led numerous art workshops and courses for children and adults, encouraging participants to explore materials and techniques and express their own creativity. Her dedication to spreading knowledge proves that her vision of design is focused on connecting tradition and modernity, and on encouraging the next generation of artists.
Porcelain, often called "white gold", has a special place in the history of art. Over the centuries, European masters have developed numerous techniques, from spinning on a spindle to casting in molds, which Nika and Boštjan have also mastered. They work with liquid porcelain, consisting of 50% kaolin, 25% quartz sand, feldspar and other mineral admixtures. Through careful procedures - from casting in plaster molds to the final firing - their products acquire a translucent lightness that gives a special charm to pastel-glazed pieces.
The Kaolin by Nika Stupica brand is recognized for both its unique aesthetics and the careful craftsmanship that preserves the tradition of porcelain. With products that combine beauty and utility, Nika has proven to bring art to everyday life. Her vision that porcelain is not just a fragile material, but an endless source of inspiration, leads her to create new and innovative products that win the hearts of domestic and foreign design lovers.
Their story is proof that a love of art and unwavering dedication can create something truly special. Each cup, each plate, and each vase carries within it not only beauty, but also a message about the value of handcraft and the importance of local art in the modern world.
You can view and purchase Kaolin brand products here .