The paper reviews the basis for directional solidification processing of eutectic ceramics (DSEC) with particular attention to recent developments in growth techniques and methods. We stress on the relationship between crystal growth parameters, eutectic microstructure and sample dimension. Some of the eutectic ceramic systems prepared to date are described and their microstructure, crystallography and properties discussed. Potential functional applications in the fields of electroceramics and photonics are also described. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.