Studio pottery is made by modern artists working alone or in small groups, producing unique items or pottery in small quantities, typically with all stages of manufacture carried out by one individual. Much studio pottery is table ware or cook ware but an increasing number of studio potters produce non-functional or sculptural items. Since the 1980s there has been a distinct trend away from functional pottery (e.g. Grayson Perry) and some studio potters now prefer to call themselves ceramic artists, ceramists or simply artists. Studio pottery is represented by potters all over the world but has strong roots in Britain.

Since the second half of the 20th century ceramics has become more highly valued in the art world. There are now several large exhibitions worldwide, including Collect and Origin (formerly the Chelsea crafts fair) in London, SOFA Chicago and SOFA New York (international expositions of sculpture and applied art) that include ceramics as a major art form. Studio pottery is also sold at high prices, reaching several thousands of pounds for some pieces, in auctions houses such as Bonhams and Sothebys.