At the age of 15 Stephen Smith began his pottery career in the basement of his home. Seven years later in 1977 Tumbleweed Pottery was founded. Craft shows and street fairs served as launching points for Tumbleweed s handcrafted stoneware. As North Carolina s originator of word jars and mugs Tumbleweed Pottery continues to be a leading creator and producer of quality ceramic designs. Our ceramics pottery cookware stoneware...you-name-it...none of it contains lead! Many companies have recently gotten in trouble for this. We have certification that all of our products are 100% safe and lead-free. While lead generally gives products a more vibrant color we would never take a cheap shot at making our products look good at the expense of harming our customers. Our high-quality stoneware is microwave safe! Ever wonder why many other cooking products today say that you can t put it in the microwave? Sure you may save a dollar but chances are those other products are so poorly built that they may melt or disintegrate in the microwave. Or worse leak harmful chemicals in to your food. Don t take that risk! Stoneware has been around for centuries and is safe to cook with! Every piece of Tumbleweed Pottery is a ceramic work of art. Any variations in the finish are intended and should be considered as part of the uniqueness of the product. Are Tumbleweed Pottery products microwave and dishwasher safe? Tumbleweed Pottery products are microwave safe. USE CARE! These items may become very HOT due to natural air pockets in the clay. The products may also develop hairline craze lines called crazing that do not affect the usefulness of the product but may make it appear aged. Our products are safe for dishwasher use. We recommend using the top shelf of your dishwasher. If you have purchased a bakeware product be sure to start the ceramic piece in a COLD oven. This stoneware casserole dish measures 9 inches in diameter x 4 inches. Lead free. Microwave oven and dishwasher safe. Holds 48 ounces.