An Elegant Collection of Leccese Stone Vases

A series of stone and iron vases inspired by the concept of uncovering artifacts.

Award-winning Italian studio Gumdesign completes a wide range of projects, from architecture to graphics, art direction, and industrial design. For Pimar + Daniele Paoletti, the multidisciplinary firm has recently created Ampolle, a collection of distinctive vases made from two contrasting materials. The series draws inspiration from the process of discovery of various artifacts. More specifically, the vases provide a contemporary take on historical objects and items recovered from a distant past. Apart from the imaginative design that offers a fresh twist on ancient objects, the studio also used materials typical of many found artifacts: natural stone and iron. The Leccese stone comes from Lecce in Puglia, and features a beautifully textured but smooth surface.

To craft the vases, Gumdesign used both traditional and modern techniques. While the stone container is made using CNC machines and a strict numerical control for a precise result, the iron sections feature etching and organic, hand-finished surfaces. Suitable for an array of uses, the Ampolle vases come in two versions: low and tall. Both versions feature curved metal handles connected to the central iron compartment that slides into the Leccese stone container. The user can take this element out as needed, which adds an extra layer of functionality to the elegant design. Photographs© Laura Fiaschi, Gumdesign.