tamsin van essen: vanitas vanitatum vases

‘vanitas vanitatum’ by tamsin van essen images courtesy of the tamsin van essen

london-based ceramist tamsin van essen has designed a collection of vases influenced from 17th century dutch vanitas paintings, capturing the moment of decay. the deterioration detail from the vessels are expressed through reference of the decline in beauty. by using an etching tool to remove material from the slip cast porcelain forms and a sandblaster in its bisqued state, the decoration becomes part of the ceramic structure. during the last kiln firing, areas of the vases begin to peel, representing points of decay.

porcelain detail

etching and sandblasting process

etching and sandblasting was used to create the decay effect

peeling effect from kiln

detail image

sandblasted porcelain

all vases are unique