Lavart - Phunnel - Caldera - Sunset

The Lavart Caldera is a ceramic Phunnel from the Ukrainian brand Lavart, made using the Nerikomi technique. It stands on a tall, solid foot, is about 7.5 cm wide and holds about 21 g of Virginia tobacco or 24 g of dark leaf.

Phunnel with a flat ring

In the middle sits a raised chimney with a single hole, and the tobacco lies in the ring around it. The molasses stays in the bowl and does not run into the stem. The ring is a good 1.5 cm deep, so the tobacco lies in a rather thin layer.

Tall foot without a hollow

The foot of the Caldera is solid, and the seat on the hookah is turned out by hand. A decor runs around the outside of the bowl. The foot makes the Caldera taller than a flat bowl, so it should sit firmly and straight on the bowl grommet.

HMD or aluminum foil

You smoke the Caldera with an HMD or classically with aluminum foil. With foil, leave a few millimeters of air above the tobacco and poke the holes only above the ring.

Nerikomi: the pattern is in the clay

In the Nerikomi technique from Japan, differently colored clays are worked into a pattern. The color therefore is not only on the surface. Lavart casts the Caldera in Ukraine in a fixed mold, while grinding and glazing are done by hand. Every piece turns out a little different in its pattern.

In the Sunset model, red, orange and green, set off with black, run through the clay.

How to pack the Caldera

1. Briefly mix the tobacco in the tin so the molasses is evenly distributed.
2. Sprinkle the tobacco loosely into the ring around the chimney and do not press it down. The center hole stays free.
3. Fill up to just below the rim, a little less with aluminum foil.
4. Put the HMD on or stretch the foil tight, poke holes only above the tobacco, not above the chimney.
5. Light it for a few minutes with two to three fully glowing coals. If it gets too hot, push the coals to the edge, otherwise add more.

Scope of delivery

• 1 x Lavart Caldera Phunnel bowl in the chosen model

Frequently asked questions

How much tobacco fits in the Caldera?

About 21 g of Virginia tobacco or 24 g of dark leaf. The exact amount depends on the cut, the moisture and how loosely you pack.

Is the Caldera a multi-hole bowl?

No. The Caldera is a Phunnel with one hole in the middle. The tobacco lies in the ring around the chimney.

What does Nerikomi mean?

A technique from Japan in which colored clays are laid into a pattern. The pattern is part of the clay and not just painted on.

Do the models differ?

Only in color and pattern. Shape, foot, depot and chimney are the same on all models.

How do I clean the bowl?

Only when the bowl on the hookah has cooled down completely do you rinse it with lukewarm water. Hot ceramic does not tolerate a cold shock, otherwise the glaze can crack.