#Ribbon-shaped brass vase turns drying flowers into vintage art objects

The primary purpose of a vase is to hold the stems of flowers or decorative plants to put their beautiful foliage. Keeping the plants alive longer so that they can be enjoyed longer as well might be an important function, but it isn’t the priority. Flowers will eventually dry up and die anyway, so why not try to make it look good regardless?

This concept design for a flower vase pretty much goes against everything we know about vases, and yet it offers an even more beautiful backdrop for flowers and plants. Rather than something to be thrown away, this brass vase concept actually extols the last phases of a plant’s life, proving that “old” isn’t always bad, especially given the retro and vintage craze gripping multiple industries today.

Designer: In-Je Lee

Given the brevity of our lifespans, humans seem to have an obsession with immortality, whether physical or spiritual. Conversely, we also have an aversion toward dying and the process of growing old. If design trends are anything to go by, however, some things mature beautifully to the point of inspiring awe and respect, sentiments that this “Knot” vase design concept is also trying to invoke.

Although brass is a long-lasting metallic material, it has a unique property that perfectly demonstrates the concept of “aging gracefully.” It develops a patina over time, a discoloration that is unique and random depending on how the product is handled or exposed to the elements. It tarnishes the pristine surface of the material, but it also gives it a character that matches no other, even with the exact same design and conditions.

The brass vase is also unique in its form, which doesn’t have any sort of receptacle to hold not only the flowers but any water as well. Instead, the strip of metal curves and bends to create an unusual ribbon-like shape, almost like a traditional knot frozen in time. This shape is able to stand on a flat surface on its own without any support, and plan stems can go inside the loop in the middle.

With this kind of design, even dried-up flowers and stems look elegant when embraced by a vintage-looking piece of art. It is able to prolong the aesthetic value of these decorations longer than normal, helping to prevent waste while also sending a potent message that “new” isn’t always what it’s cut out to be.