Business Details
21 Years
experience
Handmade Functional Pottery in Gettysburg, PA
The Lion Potter is a family-owned pottery studio founded by David and Junko Young in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. With over 20 years of combined experience in ceramics, our work blends Japanese and African artistic influences with functional design. We specialize in wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery, emphasizing practicality and natural beauty through soft glazes and organic textures. Our studio also offers seasonal local produce, connecting customers to Pennsylvania's agricultural heritage. Each piece is crafted to be microwave and dishwasher safe, using lead-free glazes for safety.We teach pottery classes and maintain strong ties to the community through workshops and collaborations with local businesses. Our work has been featured in regional art showcases and educational programs. We prioritize hands-on craftsmanship, ensuring every item reflects our commitment to quality and usability. Our studio/gallery opened in 2005, continuing a tradition of artistry established through decades of international study and apprenticeships.
Services
Pottery Making
Functional Ceramics
Pottery Workshops
Local Produce Sales
Gift Certificates
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer pottery shaped by 20+ years of international ceramic expertise
- Our pieces combine Japanese aesthetics with Pennsylvania agricultural heritage
- We use lead-free glazes and food-safe materials in all functional pottery
- We maintain direct community connections through seasonal produce offerings
- Our work reflects decades of formal training and global kiln site exploration
Services
Functional Pottery
Handcrafted functional pottery combining Japanese and African influences. Each piece uses food-safe glazes and natural textures while maintaining microwave and dishwasher safety. Our work emphasizes daily usability with artistic integrity through wheel-thrown and hand-built techniques. Pieces include mugs, plates, and serving ware designed for practical enjoyment.
Pottery Workshops
Hands-on pottery instruction at our Gettysburg studio. Classes cover wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques taught by professional potters with international experience. Sessions available for all skill levels from beginners to advanced students. Instruction emphasizes both technical proficiency and artistic expression in ceramic creation.
Local Produce Sales
Seasonal produce sales featuring Pennsylvania-grown fruits and vegetables. Available May-October, including tree-ripened peaches, heirloom tomatoes, and crisp apples. Produce complements our pottery offerings through shared emphasis on local craftsmanship and functional beauty in everyday items.
Artisan Gift Certificates
Gift certificates for pottery purchases and workshop participation. Available in any denomination through our online store. Ideal for special occasions with customizable value options. Recipients choose from functional ceramics, decorative pieces, or class enrollment.
Custom Ceramics
Special order pottery creation for unique requirements. Collaborate directly with artists to design personalized pieces meeting specific functional or decorative needs. Available for both individual collectors and commercial clients seeking distinctive ceramic solutions.
People
David Young
Co-Founder & Potter
Master potter with 30+ years experience studying in Japan, Kenya, and the US. Developed signature wheel-thrown techniques influenced by global cultures. Taught at multiple institutions before co-founding The Lion Potter in 2005.
Junko Young
Co-Founder & Potter
Specializes in hand-built teapots and surface design. Trained in Japan and Maryland, with formal education from McDaniel College. Combines Japanese ceramic traditions with American studio practices in her functional art pieces.
Questions
What materials do you use in your pottery?
We use natural clays and lead-free glazes, ensuring all functional pieces are microwave and dishwasher safe.
Do you offer pottery classes?
Yes, we teach regular pottery workshops at our Gettysburg studio for all skill levels.
Are your ceramics food safe?
All functional pottery meets FDA food safety standards with non-toxic, lead-free glazes.
When is your produce available?
Seasonal produce like peaches and heirloom tomatoes are available May through October at our studio.
Do you ship outside Pennsylvania?
We offer international shipping - contact us directly for overseas shipping arrangements.
Reviews (5)
Lindsay Piron
Jan 03, 2022
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We visited The Lion Potter while staying at a campground down the road. The signs they have placed running the freeway caught our attention. The pottery is beautiful, wide selection of jams, honey and even cheeses. This is a family owned business, and everyone was incredibly kind.
Amy Lantry
Dec 28, 2021
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This is cool pottery shop run by a local artist & his family. It also carries goods grown by local farmers and jams & jellies and goat soap & lotions products made locally as well. Look for their signs on the bicycle frames.
Tracey Speicher
Nov 06, 2021
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Such a neat place, such lovely people. Beautiful pottery, delicious local produce & dairy, including cheeses, goats milk, apple cider. A great place to check out!
Robert Davey Ii
Oct 02, 2021
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Very nice little produce stand and pottery collection for sale. The produce is fresh and reasonably priced. The pottery that is for sale is all hand crafted by a local artist and is very beautiful and unique. You should definitely check them out! The owners are also very friendly and helpful.
April Urias
Sep 18, 2021
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Amazing produce and art!!! Incredible staff, very sweet young gentleman. Free samples of anything you want to try. Very beautiful pottery. A little pricey, but if you have the money, very worth it. Please visit! You will not regret it!
