These vessels for an ambiguous, imagined ceremony take their cues from the strong symmetry found in religious visual language. An inexplicable, colliding, brutalist element breaks this image. Familiar yet unfamiliar, they intend to intrigue, urging the beholder to wonder and imagine about their story and purpose. The crisp, synthetic material that is in parts oxidised, – appearing aged – raises further ambiguity about where these relics fit in time.
While at first the handles seem unclear, once considered, they provide clues on how to use the object. Forcing the lid to be lifted in a specific way, they make the user perform a ceremonial action. The ancient bible instruction to not eat animals with cloven hooves, served the purpose of avoiding unclean meat. In the same way, the glossy areas give a clue on what to touch, guiding away from the delicate patinated surface.
Text courtesy of Studio Truly Truly
Photography by
Ronald Smits (Opening vessels)
& Studio Truly Truly