‘Solid Ground’ by Nathalie Lautenbacher of Aalto University comprises a selection of photographs and thoughtful essays in its close examination of ceramics and their appeal. While the field of design currently covers a variety of different materials and technologies, and even operates within immaterial domains, the ancient art of ceramics remains highly relevant. The book’s seven chapters reflect not only today’s trends but also lasting phenomena within the field of ceramics. Many of these themes are archaic, having evolved naturally over time. Writers from a variety of fields search for bridges between culture, art, and academia, to discover the roots of this versatile material.