🧂 Square Soapstone Storage Pots – Kisii, Kenya
Natural elegance • Artisan made • Everyday utility

A 10×10×10 cm square soapstone pot is a compact powerhouse for bathroom organization—especially when it comes in a variety of colours. Its tactile weight, artisan charm, and moisture-resistant surface make it ideal for both function and flair. Here’s how it can elevate your bathroom space:

🧼 Practical Uses for Bathroom Storage
1. Daily Essentials
•     Cotton pads or buds: Keeps them clean and accessible.
•     Hair accessories: Clips, ties, or small combs tucked neatly away.
•     Toothpicks or flossers: Hygienic and discreet.
•     Mini soaps or wrapped bars: Especially if you stock handmade or scented varieties.

2. Spa & Scent Rituals
•     Bath salts or scrubs: A small scoop of indulgence.
•     Essential oils or diffuser stones: Soapstone’s cool surface pairs beautifully with aromatherapy.
•     Incense cones or tealight candles: Adds ambiance and calm.

3. Guest-Friendly Touches
•     Travel-size toiletries: Shampoo, lotion, or toothpaste for visitors.
•     Rolled face cloths or reusable wipes: Boutique hotel vibes in a cube.

🎨 Styling & Colour Play
With multiple colours available—think burnt orange, turquoise, vintage grey, natural stone—you can:
•     Coordinate with tile or towel colours for a cohesive look.
•     Use contrasting tones to create visual interest on shelves or counters.
•     Group several pots together for a modular, curated feel (e.g., one for scent, one for skincare, one for accessories).

🌍 Artisan Storytelling
Each pot is hand-carved from Kisii soapstone in Kenya, often accompanied by a storycard. That makes it more than just storage—it’s a conversation piece. Ideal for:
•     Ethical gifting: Pair with handmade soaps or bath oils.
•     Retail display: Highlight the origin and craftsmanship alongside your bathroom products - especially as it arrives with a storycard!

🪨 Crafted from Kisii Soapstone
•     Carved from locally quarried soapstone, known for its smooth texture, cool touch, and richly varied grain.
•     Each pot is shaped and polished by hand, then coloured using natural dyes or mineral-based pigments.
•     The result is a one-of-a-kind piece—no two pots are exactly alike.

📏 Specifications

• Dimensions: 10 × 10 × 10 cm. (9.5 x 9 cm internal dimensions) and heavy at  1.2kg.
• Material: Natural soapstone
• Colours: Assorted (earth tones, soft pastels, bold accents—depending on artisan style)
• Finish: Smooth, polished exterior with subtle grain variations

These pots aren’t just containers—they’re a celebration of craft, culture, and the quiet beauty of natural materials.

🪨 The Art of Kisii Soapstone Carving in Kenya

In the lush Tabaka Hills of Kisii County, southwestern Kenya, soapstone carving is more than a craft—it’s a cultural legacy passed down through generations. Each handmade item reflects the skill, patience, and pride of local artisans.

⛏️ 1. Quarrying the Stone

• Soapstone, locally known as Kisii stone, is mined by hand using basic tools like machetes, chisels, and hammers.
• The stone is soft due to its high talc content, making it ideal for carving.

🧱 2. Preparing the Raw Blocks

• Extracted blocks are transported to workshops, often within the artisan’s home or community space.
• The stone is cut into manageable sizes depending on the intended item—be it a bowl, figurine, or sculpture.

🔨 3. Carving the Shape

• Artisans use hand tools—files, blades, and even household items like screwdrivers—to sculpt the stone.
• The initial form is roughed out, then refined with intricate details, often inspired by nature, animals, or cultural motifs.

💧 4. Sanding and Polishing

• Wet sanding with water and grinding stones smooths the surface and brings out the stone’s natural luster.
• Some pieces are polished to a high gloss; others are left matte for a rustic feel.

🎨 5. Painting and Etching (Optional)

• Many items are hand-painted with vibrant African designs or etched with symbolic patterns.
• Natural dyes or commercial paints may be used, depending on the artisan’s style.

🖐️ 6. Final Touches

• Each piece is inspected for balance, finish, and artistic integrity.
• Items are often signed or marked by the artisan, celebrating their personal touch and heritage.

Kisii soapstone isn’t just beautiful—it’s deeply meaningful. It supports local economies, preserves ancestral knowledge, and connects global buyers to the heart of Kenyan artistry.

🧼 Caring for Soapstone: Simple, Effective, and Long-Lasting

Soapstone is naturally non-porous, heat-resistant, and durable—but it does benefit from a little TLC to keep it looking its best, especially if it’s a handmade item like those from Kisii, Kenya.

🧽 Regular Cleaning

• Use warm water and mild dish soap with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals like bleach or vinegar.
• Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots.

🪔 Oiling for Richness

• Apply food-safe mineral oil or beeswax to deepen the stone’s color and enhance its natural patterns.
• Rub in with a soft cloth, let sit for 30 minutes, then buff off excess.
• Reapply every few months or when the surface looks dry or uneven.

🛠️ Handling Scratches

• Minor scratches can be gently sanded with fine-grit sandpaper (start with 220 and finish with 400).
• After sanding, clean and re-oil the area to restore its finish.

🔥 Heat & Impact Precautions

• While soapstone resists heat, avoid sudden temperature changes—don’t place hot items directly on cold surfaces.
• Don’t drop heavy objects on it; it’s soft and can chip.

🧃 Stain Prevention

• Wipe up spills quickly, especially acidic substances like lemon juice or wine.
• Use coasters or placemats under drinks and dishes.

Soapstone ages gracefully, developing a patina that tells its story and a little care goes a long way.

The story of how your soapstone item was created