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View a short video produced by Wooden Grain

J Schatz Studio

About J Schatz

The world of J Schatz is driven by love, a sense of wonder, and the desire to solve problems with innovative design.

It all started with an egg. Jim Schatz’s foray into design began with egg-shaped lamps, and soon expanded to houses and feeders for his feathered friends. More product lines followed, and a total J Schatz world emerged.

With a background in furniture and lighting design, Peter Souza brought new and different strengths to the company, encouraging unique forms, textures, and finishes. A new partnership was born, both personal and professional.

Jim Schatz & Peter Souza

We started J Schatz in 2004 as a place for playful, glossy, and bright utilitarian objects and decor that were engaging and fun. Our handmade ceramics appeared as if they were machine made because of the methods we developed to create a precise, refined object that was glazed to mirror-finish perfection. The line was modern and many of the items have become design classics.

Peter joined the company in 2014 and encouraged unique forms, textures, and finishes that were brutal, earthbound, and primitive. There is evidence of the hand in the work with objects that are mis-shaped and crude with complex, rich, and bold color. In addition to his responsibilities at J Schatz, Peter also creates sculptural work in wood and designs homes. His artwork can be viewed here: petersouzajr.com and his design work can be viewed here: workhorsect.com.

Together they are fearless and in private they call their life together P&J's adventure. In search of an inspired spot to locate the studio they moved from upstate New York to Los Angeles then Providence and to Boothbay Harbor, Maine where they setup the studio in a barn located in a place known as Powder Hill Farm. And now they continue the journey at Trail's End in Hamden, CT. It is a beautiful spot with birds, gardens, untamed forests, and rich in history. Definitely an inspired spot to continue the evolution of their work. The Connecticut coast, the lively cultural scene, and the artistic pulse of the city beckon, promising new inspirations to infuse into their ceramic tales.

View a short video produced by Wooden Grain filmed in our previous studio in Providence about our connection to each other and our work in the studio.

Wonder-Certified™

Each day we arrive at the studio motivated to work hard and create exceptional pieces of ceramic ware. We live to capture beauty, be surprised, and solve creative problems with innovative designs. Most importantly, we love what we do. We certify that the products we make are inspired by wonder.

Our Mission: We create objects that are at home in an inspired life.
Our Vision: We animate objects with wonder.

Simply put, we have been making ceramic objects since 2004 and over 30,000 wonder-certified products have been sold to satisfied customers throughout all fifty states and in 14 countries around the world. Handmade in our studio one at a time.

All J Schatz products are designed and made in our studio. All products are made with non-toxic, lead-free glaze, and high fired to maturity. Recycled and biodegradable packaging materials are used to ensure the safe arrival of your J Schatz product.

A Note to Collectors

We view all our pieces as collectable one of a kind works of art. We produce our work in yearly editions and by custom order. We handcraft each piece using a process and finish that is uniquely our own with a design aesthetic that is always true to our mission and vision that we will pursue throughout our life. Please contact us if you are in the area to schedule a studio tour and view our collection in person.

Satisfaction Guarantee

We want you to be satisfied with your J Schatz purchase. If you are not, please notify us within 5 business days of receipt of goods, and then return the items (without damage) to us in the original packaging. We will refund your purchase after receipt and inspection of goods. You will only be responsible for return shipping charges and any initial shipping charges that were incurred. This guarantee applies only to in-stock items. All custom made orders and unique items are non-refundable. Our photography and descriptions are designed to accurately portray the items for sale. If you wish you may FaceTime us or visit our studio and we will show you firsthand the quality and craftsmanship of item you wish to purchase.