Vase Arts

October 23, 2011

Roger Guerin vase, Belgian, gourd shape with indented sides.

A vase is a home away from home for flowers and has the unenviable task of hosting objects that are very consistent and diverse in their beauty. Despite the level of competition they have faced for splendor, I think vases have managed to hold there own in this battle. Ceramic artisans throughout the ages have given them a dignity with their original designs.. For vases, a single colour will suffice for most of the time. Its all too easy for them to clash with the rich array of colour that flowers tend to project. But for the more monochrome flower displays, the vase gets the chance to strut its stuff. Of all the ceramic ware, vases carry the most decorative responsibilities and have always been a favorite with collectors. They also have the most scope for displaying more shape then the other ceramic forms.They have been style beacons for many different era’s such as art deco and art nouveau, but unfortunately of late they have been a little deprived of a definitive style. As long as there is flowers, there will be a place for vases and they will be welcome on my mantlepiece.

Bernard Bloch vase, elaborate Art Nouveau design.

Amphora Vase Ivory Porcelain.

Pierrefonds vase, double handled shape, covered in a green and blue crystalline glaze.

Art DecoVase made with coloured enamels on silver-plated copper, designed and made by Camille Fauré for Limoges. Image : Marie -Flickr

Weller Sicard vase, cylindrical shape, covered in a colorful metallic glaze with etched organic designs.

Amphora vase, monumental shape with a bulbous bottom, spiraling neck and four openings at waist, boldly painted stylized leaves and berries, overall iridescence. Picture from House of Amphora, by Richard Scott.

Gouda vase, unusual form with carved serpent in black against a green and ivory background.

Amphora vase, unusual design probably by Paul Dachsel, black and white landscape with gold trees. Mettlach vase, monumental shape with detailed raised and painted scene with birds and bamboo.