indian rosewood vase

i seem to be developing a thing for long vases.

perhaps it’s the simplicity of the form, or the way a tall, tapering shape gives the wood room to speak. these are made for dried flowers and grasses, rather than water, and this one was always intended to hold something gathered from the garden—long stems, seed heads, the occasional bit of wildness.

the wood came from alan’s collection and, i believe, had been sitting quietly for more than ten years.

indian rosewood is not a timber i would normally have chosen. i’m often drawn towards lighter woods, but this piece stopped me. there was something about its strength, its depth and the character held within those dark tones that made me want to see what might emerge.

the timber has a richness that changes as the light moves across it—deep chocolate and purplish browns, with darker streaks running through the grain. it has a quiet presence rather than demanding attention.

i wanted the form to remain simple: a continuous conical shape, tapering gently towards the top. nothing to distract from the wood itself.

there is something satisfying about that relationship between form and material. the shape is controlled, deliberate and measured, while the grain remains entirely its own.

the result is a substantial statement piece, but one that i hope retains a certain calmness.

another piece of wood with a past.

another experiment.

another reminder that sometimes the timber chooses you.

indian rosewood vase designed for dried flowers and grasses

dimensions: height 29cm diameter at base 5.5cm diameter at top 3.5cm