Harmony With Irony

Clay and paper could not be less alike in terms of material characteristics, yet Studio Bouroullec took inspiration from one to work with the other. The delicate art of paper découpage (adhereing small, colourful paper cutouts to make an image) inspired a whimsical cut-andpaste strategy that Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec applied to clay. The result? A collection of prototype vases for Vitra that celebrates handcrafting and an intuitive approach to design. “The regularity of the cylinder is combined with the naivety of the clay slabs,” say the designers. “The clay matter comes to life. A new harmony emerges from contrasts.” A selection of the Vases Découpage will be developed for serial production by Vitra. Photo: Studio Bouroullec.