Artisanal ceramic vessels and vases manifest an ancient design language in organic form and finish.
Bespoke objects such as vases and vessels are integral to creating a personalised design narrative in your home. By definition, vessels are ‘hollow containers’, which take the form of sculptural and artistic ornaments. At the same time, vases are a type of vessel that brings both functionality and elegance to the home. We’ve collated nine standout ceramic vessels and vases, lovingly handmade and inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian design.
Bondi Junction Home by Alexander & Co features Humble Matter, a sculpture by Kristiina Engelin sourced from Curatorial+Co. | Photography by Anson Smart
Palm Tree House by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects features sculptures by Tracey Lamb, Scott McNeil and Natalie Rosin sourced from Curatorial+Co. | Photography by Dave Wheeler
The Ferm Living Vulca vase, inspired by volcanic bedrock, is made from stoneware with an off-white stony glaze that makes each Vulca vase and its grainy surface unique.
The 101 CPH Sphere Ceramic Bubble vase draws inspiration from ancient Chinese vases with a palette of faded earth tones. The Sphere range is the 101 CPH’s first ceramic design and has become their signature.
The White Necklace vase was created by self-taught Melbourne-based ceramist Kirsten Perry. In her work, the artist pays homage to traditional ceramic forms, where each piece is carved from foam or cardboard before being translated into ceramic. The artist’s background in gold and silversmithing also influences her approach.
Stephanie Phillips is a ceramicist from Sydney. Her works are influenced by her grandmothers, the Australian bush and her Russian origins.The vessels call on her love of plants through their organic shape and are a modern take on Ikenaba – the Japanese art of flower arrangement – using driftwood and bromeliads.
Working from a studio in Australia’s Sunshine Coast hinterland, Mel Lumb’s handcrafted ceramic works feature an earthy palette and tactile finish, creating a raw aesthetic. Her influences include Danish mid-century, Japanese design and the Australian landscape.
Italian ceramicist Paola Paronetto’s Clay Objects appear lightweight and paper-like. Their unique texture is created by adding paper pulp and fibre to a ceramic mixture, resulting in delicate, sculptural forms.
The Kerryn Levy Torn Onishi vase reflects the landscape devastated by Australia’s Black Summer bushfires in 2019-2020. It was created for the Landskein exhibition in collaboration with artist Theresa Hunt. Kerryn Levy used slivers of gold leaf to highlight a beauty within the charred landscape.
Jean-Christophe Clair designed the Marmaro vase for Rometti. This hand thrown vessel exemplifies how “different souls of nature resonate together.”
The Ettore Sottsass vase was designed by the famous Italian architect Ettore Sottsass for Bitossi in 1962. This ceramic comes from a collection of painted Italian vases of various shapes.
