So pretty, who needs flowers?
Tulips, tulips, tulips. Every year about this time, my favorite flower is in season, and they just tend to jump in my basket. I get them home and I start digging through cabinets trying to find a vase.
And why am I digging through cabinets? Why are my vases not out where I and others can see and enjoy them? Because they're boring, clear, ordinary, unworthy vases. The kind of vase that's only nice or special because of the flowers in it.
So began a quest to find beautiful vases - ones that I would want to display year round whether I had flowers or not. Many of the ones here came from two of my favorite online shopping sites - Wrapables and UncommonGoods.
I hope you can find your own piece of beautiful art here as well as some ideas for how to display them. I'll be adding great new vases as I find them.
Ceramic vases * Unusual vases * Whimsical vases * Elegant vases * Porcelain vases * Novelty vases * Art glass vases * Wood vases * Crystal vases * Metal vases
Angelica Floral Vase
Put some of your favorite flowers on display with the Black & Gray Angelica Floral Vase
On Sale Now!! $11.99 for small, $22.99 for large
Guns
Talk about flower power! White ceramic home accessories are all the rage right now and this pistol-packin' vase means stylish business. But in this case the pieces fire flowers, not bullets. Whether you're a James Bond fanatic or a former peace marcher, this vase will cover your table, mantel or windowsill in a fusillade of flowers. Includes artificial roses.
$50 at UncommonGoods
Paper Bag Vases
No, those aren't real paper bags, but they do bear a rather canny resemblance - in fact, some could call it uncanny. These vases are designed by Michel Harvey to look remarkably like real paper bags, though unlike their likenesses, they're ceramic and perfect for flowers. Go ahead and water them all you want - these accents can handle any liquid refreshment.
$35 for small, $70 for large at UncommonGoods
Jonathan Adler Trios
Each trio comes with three vases of different sizes, sized 8 1/4"h, 7"h and 5"h. Adler's work has been a favorite among hip and discerning consumers and celebrities and have adorned the sets of The Today Show, Will and Grace and Sex in the City.
Stripes Trio
This hand-painted Jonathan Adler Stripes Trio
$52.95 at Wrapables
Italia Trio
Decorate, decorate, decorate with this Jonathan Adler Italia Trio.
$52.95 at Wrapables
Rosenthal Andy Warhol 7-Inch Empire Vase
Amazon Price: $168.29 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $198.00
Andy Warhol's Empire Collection interprets the pop artist's black and white photographs of New York landmarks and other major world cities in porcelain and crystal. Named after Warhol's 1964 film, Empire, the photos come alive in a series of trays, vases, mugs and paperweights. True works of art for collectors of Warhol and everyone looking for unique decorative items.
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Outline vase
This airy and clever interpretation of a vase will freshen up the look of any home. This porcelain outline vase from the Museum of Modern Art is a unique way to display a single bloom without interrupting the space around it. 9.5 inches tall
Click here to order
Porcelain Boot Vase
These boots were definitely not made for walking. Despite its ultra-realistic appearance, this lone garden galosh is a handmade, painted porcelain vase by artist Michel Harvey. An amusing way to display flowers indoors or out, it will definitely receive many comments and double-takes.
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Porcelain Gardening Glove
This ceramic glove is great as a planter and fantastic as a vase. And unlike some of your other gardening gloves, this one is waterproof and a fabulous accent for your home on a windowsill, on a porch, or anywhere else you can think of.
Click here to order
Shopping Bags
Paper shopping bags are notorious for ripping and spilling your contents on the sidewalk at all the wrong times. But you'll never have such problems with these bags - they are really heavy-duty porcelain vases or object holders. These everyday art sculptures are functional, quirky and have dead-on design, right down to the creases, folds and rope handles. Available in two sizes.
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Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery - What's the Difference?
They may sometimes look the same, but there is a difference between ceramic, porcelain, pottery (also called earthenware) or stoneware. Some of it has to do with the material that goes into the vase - earthware tends to be clay, porcelain kaolin. Some of it has to do with the process used in the making - amount of heat, use of potters wheel, etc.
Fill them with interesting items when you aren't filling them with flowers.
Asian Characters & Butterfly Green Glass Vase
Got an Asian flair going in your home? Add to it with a little Asian inspiration with this vase. This work of art features a frosted green panel with a black and yellow-tinted butterfly and Asian calligraphy. Perfect as a display piece or for flowers.
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Ying Yang Vases
These handmade vases articulate Yin-Yang's dualistic nature with sinewy black or white cavities sunk into crystal-clear glass. Their outlines play with the outlines of the surrounding glass, creating a strikingly graphic effect when viewed from the front. The vases fit together to form an elongated oval, adding harmony to any room whether they are placed side-to-side or slightly askew. Sold as a set. 9 inches tall.
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Tangerine Vortex
The striking curves of this tall vase are lent a sculptural element by the container's flattened shape. Glowing orange glass is brightened by feathery swirls of vibrant color, while the vase's compact depth makes it perfect for shallow spaces. 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide.
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Zen Inspiration Rock Garden Test Tube Vases
Aren't these just the coolest? These unique test tube vases are nestled in a wooden box filled with rocks. Eight test tubes included. Perfect to put your favorite buds on display.
Click here to order
Leaf Cylinder Hurricane Vase by Trudeau
This vase has a frosted glass body with high gloss black leafy designs and would add character to your surroundings. 10 inches tall.
$23.99 at Klinq.com
Zebra Cylinder Hurricane Vase by Trudeau
Add a dramatic touch to your surrounding with this sleek stunning vase. This vase features frosted glass and black high gloss stripes and would be great for long stem fresh or fake flowers. 14 inches tall.
$35 at Klinq.com
Studio Silversmiths
$26.60 at UnbeatableSale
Fringe Brand Vases
Fringe Papillon Rectangle Vase
I love the idea of this particular vase mixed with dark wood pieces. Great drama to add to an Asian-themed decor. Measures 8" tall.
Click here to order
Fringe Tiffany Walden Transparent Printed Glass Vase
This vase features a pairing of antique images and vintage patterns that result in a beautiful piece of art.
Click here to order
Fringe Papillon Square Vase
This one is just darling, probably a great addition to the right bathroom as it has a smaller footprint. I'd also love it in a windowsill where the light could really show it off. Measures 14" high.
Click here to order
Fringe Oceanic Coral Vase
The corals here are not for everyone, but they're decidedly more sophisticated than your typical "undersea" themed items. I wonder if you could fill it with water and put a fish in? Measures 8" tall.
Click here to order
Fringe Dot Transparent Printed Glass Vase
No, you're not seeing spots. Dots!! Dots with various patterns cover one side, graceful long-stemmed flowers the other.
Click here to order
Fringe Tiffany Papilio Glass Vase
In case you haven't noticed, Fringe has a thing for butterflies. And this piece shows them off best. A beautiful assortment in all of nature's colors.
Click here to order
Use them as bookends. Just make sure you weight them down first to keep them from sliding!
Venezia Crystal Vase By Studio
This gorgeous crystal vase has delicate pink flowers and frosted leaves. The presentation is absolutely stunning and would make your flowers even more beautiful. Check out our other Venezia fine crystal items and create your personal crystal collection. This vase comes gift boxed and will make a great gift. 9 inches h. x 5 inches w.
$28 at Klinq.com
WATERFORD CRYSTAL EVOLUTION RED SEA VASE 14"
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price:
The Waterford name means crystal to me, but I've never seen anything from them like this piece. Just gorgeous!!
AMBER SAMANTHA VASE - SAMANTHA CRYSTAL AMBER VASE - vase
Amazon Price: $144.00 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $160.98
Experience the warmth of amber! This 11" Samantha Amber crystal vase features gentle concave perimeters, with an exquisite thick clear glass base. It is sure to add beauty to your favorite flowers. Beautiful as a centerpeice or a gift for the hostess and bridal shower.
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Waterford Evolution by Waterford Skydiver Vase, 15"
Amazon Price: $157.99 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $225.00
Not your typical crystal vase - look at those colors!! Beautiful thing! 15 inches tall.
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Looking To Fit a Particular Style?
Vases and other accent pieces serve to either complete or create a stylistic direction in a room. For example, a plain room can be given an Asian flavor with some of the vases here or taken in a shabby chic direction with the Fringe vases. Other vases are equally at home in a traditional or modern setting, while some of the ones featured here would only be at home within a specific style.
Bamboo Vase Collection
This Bamboo Vase Collection is actually made of wood, but it certainly looks like bamboo. Each wooden vase comes with a clear glass insert, and is accented with hand-painted designs that give the piece unique character. Available in different designs with various themes.
Click here to order
Teakwood Towers
Inspired by nuts and bolts, each vase is hand carved from durable and richly hued Teak wood. The nut vase is a vertical stack of rounded squares, while the bolt vase is a stack of sharp squares set at diagonals. Each contains a small test tube vase for one to two blooms. Sold individually. 16 inches tall.
Click here to order
Wooden Wiggle Vases
Shapes and curves are the themes for this line of contemporary Shaped Wooden Vases. These vases can be best displayed with a minimalist approach, perhaps a favorite flower. Don't be fooled, all of these vases can really hold water. Available in Orange only.
Only Orange Left - Previously $52.95, now $28.99
NOVICA Wood vase, 'Black Melody of Art'
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
This one might not be to everyone's taste, but I thought it was pretty cool. Spinning spirals dance to the melody of art in an innovative design from Saifon. She carves the mango wood vase by hand expertly evoking the dynamic patterns that render this vase unique.
About the Vase
The vase (, , or) is an open container, often used to hold cut flowers. It can be made from a number of materials including ceramics and glass. The vase is often decorated and thus used to extend the beauty of its contents.
Category: Image - :MS-SchnitzlackvaseFloral15Jh.JPG|thumb|left|120px|A Chinese carved lacquer vase from the
Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, 15th century
Vases are defined as having a certain anatomy. Lowest is the foot, a distinguishable base to the piece. Next, the body, which forms the main and often largest portion of the piece. Resting atop the body is the shoulder, where the body curves inward. Then the neck, where the vase is given more height. Lastly, the lip, where the vase flares back out at the top. All these attributes can be seen in the pictures at right. Many vases are also given handles, though no examples are shown here.
Today, the shapes of vases have evolved from the conventional ones to modern designs and shapes.
The vase has also developed as an art medium unto itself. The ancient Greeks famously used vases to depict scenes. It has since been developed and in 2003 the winner of the Turner Prize was Grayson Perry, for vase art.
Striped Tower Vase
This stunning vase is handcrafted vase with fused glass in a glass studio in Mexico using an innovative process that traps transparent glass between layers of vibrant color for striking results. Hand assembled and hand signed by the artist, each piece is one of a kind, with varying color densities and idiosyncrasies. 14 inches tall
Click here to order
Cobalt Blue Art Glass Vase X452 (C66)
Amazon Price: $51.00 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $170.00
This is a very beautiful 100% mouth-blown art glass piece made by a talented glassmaker with over 20 years experience. You will never find two of the same pieces! As handmade products, artist will not be able to make exactly same size and color each time, they only can say that they had made each style of glass art are very similar but not 100% exactly same.
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Incalmo Raindrop Vase: Yellow/Ruby
Amazon Price: $370.00 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price:
Incalmo Raindrop Vase is reminiscent of a tear drop--a tear of joy, that is--for its remarkable design. Evoking seemingly Asian as well as European influences, its stunning simplicity and sensually beautiful form are wrapped in combination palettes of richly colored crystal. Shown in Yellow/Ruby, also available in Blue/Cobalt. 8½"W x 12¼"H
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Sea Urchin Round Vase: Yellow
Amazon Price: $285.00 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price:
This little creature comes in four colors: yellow, blue, celery and violet. So you're sure to find one to fit with your decor. The artisan also makes the in a tall cone style and a guitar shape. 8 inches tall and 8 inches wide.
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Spiral Spine Vase
Amazon Price: $185.00 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price:
These are so amazing! Check out the curling color going down the 'spine' of the vase. Would be wonderful in a grouping for your mantel or a side table. They're made by an English artist and are 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide.
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Bag Vase: Mottled Blue
Amazon Price: $195.00 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price:
Gorgeous color here. The swirly pattern makes me think of huge schools of fish that dart through the water. I'm a blue person, so I liked this one the best, but it also comes in a red/orange called Selinum Sunrise and a red/black called Leopard Frog. 8 inches tall.
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2494 Hand Blown Art Glass Vase (F5)
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $272.00
I love the swirling red color in this one. So bold! Unique piece due to the handmade nature, personalized engraving available. Warning: This vase weights almost 12 pounds, so expect shipping to be higher. 13.5" tall.
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Venini 'Fasce Sommerse' 10-Inch Apple Green and Sapphire Vase
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $2,561.00
Discover the rich colors, expert craftsmanship, and unparalleled beauty of Venini glass, hand-blown in Murano, Venice, with this stunning 'Fasce Sommerse' vase in clear, apple green, and sapphire. Hand-crafted by Venini glass-makers in Murano, Venice Italy, this piece is first-quality and signed by the artisan, Fulvio Bianconi.
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Create an interesting grouping. No matching necessary!
Black And Red Tall Vase
A breathtaking combination of black, red and ocher defines the flowing lines of this magnificent free-form vase. Sure to be a fascinating focal point wherever it's showcased! Made of stoneware, so expect it to be pretty heavy. 20 inches tall.
Click here to order
Stoneware vase, 'Black Tie'
Amazon Price: $172.95 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price:
Stoneware contours seem dressed for an evening out in this handsome vase by Fatima Pepulim. Its narrow neck boasts a leather tie in a work of charm and originality. Handmade and signed by the artist. Ships from Brazil; 3.7 pounds. 11 inches tall
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Big chunky vases can help fill in spaces in bookshelves and cabinets.
Landscape Tube Vase
Quite a bold statement piece for any décor with the Landscape Tube Vase. The vase features glass tube inserts and finishes in black powder coated metal, perfect for your favorite buds. This simple and modern vase will help brighten any table instantly. The piece is 9 inches tall and 7.5 inches long and is made of metal and glass.
Click here to order
Zen Mastery Rope Vase
Inspire balance and calm this coiled rope design in natural and dark brown. Try dried flowers in this distinctive accent. It's 14 inches wide and 17 inches tall, made of fabric and metal.
Click here to order
Glass Vase on Twigs Metal Stand
This double vase is made of recycled glass and iron. Glass part can be removed for cleaning.
$52.65 at UnbeatableSale
Metal Globe Vase
Zack 30693 SFERA Vase, 4.7 inch diameter
$56.68 at UnbeatableSale
Sancha Vases (3) Embossed Metal Rust/olive
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price:
The Sancha Vases Set is a grouping of interesting pieces that are made to resemble handbags. The combination of sandy rust, olive rust and red rust with a distressed mahogany wash and rattan accents allow you to add a splash of color to any room of your home. These vases are crafted from hand-forged and hand-embossed metal for a durable beauty that will remain a part of your home decor.
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Contemporary Lunar Iron 3 Vases Set by Clay Metal & Stone 11111
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price:
A room accent that's truly out of this world. While each design captures the same elements, they vary in sizes, textures and tones as each individual hand-hammered design comes together for a stunning statement. Crafted from hand-forged iron and finished in iron and copper tones. 20 to 28 inches high and 15 to 24 inches wide
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Nickel vase, 'Metal Sails'
Amazon Price: $317.95 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price:
The talented Ruby Yallouz designs this unique vase, inspired by the sails of a boat when filled with the marine breeze. The effect is remarkable, as Yallouz clearly excels in the realm of metal artistry. Cast of nickel, this vase adorns with industrial chic. From Brazil and signed by the artist. 12 inches tall.
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Looking for Something Special?
Let me know if you're looking for a particular type of vase and I'll see what I can find for you. Or just leave me a note with comments about the lens. I'd love to hear from you!!!
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beempa
Excellent lens! 5 sarts Posted October 03, 2008 |
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kab
The art glass vases are what do it for me. Posted August 15, 2008 |
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Mammie
Home Decorations Posted February 19, 2008 |
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Classic
Hi I enjoyed reviewing your lens. Thanks for submitting this to my group Elegance and Style! Classic Posted February 12, 2008 |
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Karel-Micek
Really great. I love it. I would give you more than 5 stars if possible. Posted February 08, 2008 |
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