abstract vase

This original vase is set on fire with bright hues of orange adorning its volcanic shape. Daeng Thanunchai handcrafts this piece from coiled bamboo, transforming the vase into a fascinating work of art with ancient lacquer techniques. A magnificent piece, this vase is the ideal housewarming gift. Not watertight.

To complete this piece, coiled bamboo basketry is firstly carved on a lathe into the desired shape. A mixture of lacquer - obtained from trees - and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks is then applied to the object. Upon exposure to air the mixture dries to form a watertight seal that is polished before another coat is applied. This process is repeated until a rigid base is formed, and a final polishing is executed with sandpaper. Then several coats of pure lacquer are painted on the object, with drying periods in between each coat.

The work is partially polished with sandpaper according to a predetermined pattern - generally concentric - and a few coats of different lacquer colors are applied to the surface and the object is left to dry for a few days. The process remains identical for each ensuing color, alternating lacquering and polishing sessions until the design is achieved. The final coat is washed with water and polished with powdered fired clay, offering an irresistible sheen.

Almost celestial, its spherical tendency drenched in vermilion mystery, this decorative vase intrigues with the sensuality of lacquered designs. From the hands of Daeng Thanunchai, the piece offers a flawless Thai accent for any home décor.

To complete this piece, coiled bamboo basketry is firstly carved on a lathe into the desired shape. A mixture of lacquer - obtained from the Gluta usitata tree - and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks is then applied to the object. Upon exposure to air the mixture dries to form a watertight seal that is polished before another coat is applied. This process is repeated until a rigid base is formed, and a final polishing is executed with sandpaper. Then several coats of pure lacquer are painted on the object, with drying periods in between each coat.

The work is partially polished with sandpaper according to a predetermined pattern - generally concentric - and a few coats of different lacquer colors are applied to the surface. Then the object is left to dry for a few days. The process remains identical for each ensuing color, alternating lacquering and polishing sessions until the design is achieved. The final coat is washed with water and polished with powdered fired clay, offering an irresistible sheen.

A group of wistful figures in traditional Andean dress adorn this handmade ceramic decorative vessel by Francisco Guerreros. Carefully hand-painted, it demonstrates the artist's commitment to faithfully depicting the people and cultures of his homeland.

Artisan Jesus Rivas puts all his expertise into a fascinating design inspired by Peru's northern region. Working with ceramic and following the traditional Chulucanas technique, Jesus handcrafts a round vase with an abstract design that some will say resembles high peaks under warm suns.

The stunning colors of this decorative vase are achieved by pulverizing rocks to obtain natural pigments that are mixed with water and then set on the vase with the help of traditional wood-burning brick kilns. Costa Rica's Nury Marchena masters the ancient Chorotega pottery technique and crafts a lovely ceramic vase featuring abstract motifs as well as a pair of toucans perching on a tree branch.

Against an abstract blue background, a bouquet of colorful flowers is displayed in a glass vase. Brazilian artist Kassabian paints this composition in an impressionist style that utilizes bold, expressive strokes of the paintbrush.

Titled Vaso com Flores in Portuguese.

Thatsanee and Ramphan handcraft this Thai vase of ceramic in an abstract shape, finishing it with a crackled green celadon glaze. The spirit of an orchid flower is etched into the vase for a beautiful, subtle addition to any home.

Named after the Peruvian city that guards the pottery secrets of the pre-Hispanic world, this ceramic decorative vase infuses the region's culture with a minimalist touch. Artisan Jesus Rivas follows the classic methods to create this lustrous piece, whose semi-abstract motifs combine black and brown hues.

To produce this marvelous ceramic decorative vase, Luis Alberto Gutiérrez follows the same procedures his ancestors did, including the use of pulverized stone mixed with clay and water to produce all natural colors. Raised in a town on the Nicoya Peninsula where pottery has been made in much the same way for hundreds of years, the Costa Rican artisan says that when learning his craft he, "had the help of many of my relatives who would give me their advice." The petite globe vase is black and is painstakingly decorated by hand with a design featuring a butterfly surrounded by rows of abstract and geometric shapes.

To produce this marvelous ceramic decorative vase, Luis Alberto Gutiérrez follows the same procedures his ancestors did, including the use of pulverized stone mixed with clay and water to produce all natural colors. Raised in a town on the Nicoya Peninsula where pottery has been made in much the same way for hundreds of years, the Costa Rican artisan says that when learning his craft he, "had the help of many of my relatives who would give me their advice." The petite globe vase is black and is painstakingly decorated by hand with a design featuring a butterfly and an iguana surrounded by rows of abstract shapes.

"As citizens of the world, our main concern is pollution, and it is precisely this concern that moved me to create this sculpture," confides Peruvian artist Marco Florindez as he stylizes the shape of a traditional Inca huaco (vase). "The sculpture's green undertones represent the life that surrounds us in the forests, the fields, and all natural environments we must look after for the following generations to enjoy." Florindez sculpts this "Fountain of Hope" with steel and cotton before painting.

From Made Sadia in Bali, this unique sculpture appears entirely organic, as if the glass vessel has melted into the albesia wood base. Each sculpture is made individually, with the blown glass and the wood formed and fitted together. No two sculptures will be exactly alike.