A metal-ceramic joined article comprises a ceramic member, a thin metal layer joined onto the surface of the ceramic member and a surface layer, formed on the surface of the thin metal layer, having the function to prevent carbon and/or nitrogen diffusing into the thin metal layer. The thin metal layer contains a first oxide film forming element capable of forming a first oxide film having the function to suppress carbon and/or nitrogen from diffusing into the thin metal layer, and the surface layer preferably comprises the first oxide film formed by oxidizing the surface of the thin metal layer before joining.