Iceberg by Moreno Ratti

A thought-provoking vase concept.

Throughout his work, Italian designer Moreno Ratti uses marble to explore different aspects of the marble processing industry. Both imaginative and artistic, his designs are as thought-provoking as they are beautiful. For the Suspended Collection, he used resin and marble to create vases that highlight the amount of waste produced by modern marble processing. In the Recisi and In Equilibrio series, the designer explored unconventional forms and angles to create sculptural vases, while in Contrasts, he used only marble waste to make vases and bowls with a striking, puzzle-like design.

His latest work also follows these concepts. Named Iceberg, this series of vases references the excessive use of water in marble processing. As the water becomes unusable afterwards, it transforms into waste. Here, the marble takes the shape of a miniature iceberg that features multiple facets and a smooth surface. The glass holds just enough water to reach the iceberg. A small opening allows the placement of one flower stem inside the marble object. The porous material absorbs water and nourishes the plant. As a result, instead of becoming waste, the water fulfills its natural purpose. To keep the plant alive, one would have to monitor the water levels to ensure the marble maintains a contact with water. Photographs© Moreno Ratti.