Aurea Sculptural Ceramic Vase

The Aurea is wider than it is tall, 19.5cm across and 17cm high, with a mouth of 8cm. That proportion is deliberate and it changes what the vase is for: a tall narrow vessel holds a bunch upright, but a broad low one lets stems splay outward and lean on the rim, which suits dried grasses, a few branches, or a single sculptural stem far better.

The finish is a matte neutral ceramic with no glaze sheen, so it reads as pottery rather than tableware and sits comfortably beside wood, linen and stone. Unfilled it works perfectly well as an object on a shelf or a mantelpiece, which is more than can be said for most vases, and its low centre of gravity means it is not easily knocked over. Two of them at slightly different heights on the same shelf is a more forgiving arrangement than one placed dead centre.

Because the surface is unglazed matte, it will mark more readily than a shiny vase, so wipe spills off promptly and keep it away from oils. The maker does not state whether it is watertight, so line it with a glass or plastic insert before using fresh flowers and water. Dust it with a dry cloth; do not put it in a dishwasher.

• 17cm tall x 19.5cm wide; mouth diameter 8cm
• Ceramic with an unglazed matte neutral finish
• Watertight performance is not stated by the maker; use an insert for fresh flowers and water
• Best suited to dried stems, grasses and single branches
• Wipe with a dry cloth; not dishwasher safe
• Keep away from oils, which mark unglazed matte surfaces
• Ceramic chips if knocked; keep back from shelf edges and out of reach of small children