The bowl, a common open-top vessel in many cultures, is used to serve food, and is sometimes also used for drinking and storing other items. They are generally small and shallow, although some, such as punch bowls and salad bowls, are larger and are sometimes intended to serve many people at once. Bowls have existed for thousands of years. Modern bowls can be made of ceramic, metal, steel, wood, plastic, and other materials. Their appearance can range from very simple designs of a single color to sophisticated artwork.