Perhaps you have been seeing a proliferation of marble patterns, real and tromp l'oeil,  making their way across everything from cutting boards to dining plates. The natural world is always a prime jumping off point for creative inspiration, and this stone's time is now. The beautiful material, beloved for its varied patterns was a big influence in stoneware that imitated the imperfections and veining of marble. Artists and creators look back to early historical examples of the past to inspire their designs, and as the saying goes, history repeats itself.  Here are look at some fresh examples of the way swirly marbleized ceramics and porcelain are being done today, continuing to inspire a new generation of makers and established brands alike.

One of my favorite ceramicists, Workaday Handmade, came out with these matte marbleized cups and vases at the latest NY NOW gift show. Each piece is varied and unique and I love how the artists hand really comes through. 

Blue Terre Melee Containers in porcelain from Tozai are perfect vessels for crisp white orchids

If blue and white is your go-to color combination, this large unadorned Terre Melee bowl will probably find a home on your kitchen counter or dining table

The brown and cream version is a nice addition to a country house.

The beautiful swirling pattern really comes across in the chocolate and cream containers- they would put a classic spin on succulents with a pop of green peeking out of the top.

In his newly opened showroom in the D and D Building, Christopher Spitzmiller's hand-crafted ceramic lamps are all in one place, like a candy store for lighting. His expanded assortment extends into other categories, and a new glazed marbleware motif adorns lamps, plates and footed platters. Each of the marble pieces, like this plate, are made to order. The smoke effect he achieves is mesmerizing.

With a color-rich, tighter blue and white pattern that resembles the earth as shot from space, Istanbul's Simple Life has been doing their Ebru handmade ceramics collection of marble serving pieces for several seasons. It remains a favorite.

Artisans are often the first to showcase emerging ideas, and Haand out of North Carolina is no exception, with their blue-sky Cloudware Teacup in slip cast porcelain.