paolo ulian + moreno ratti shape marble vase with dual personality

paolo ulian + moreno ratti shape marble vase with dual personality
all images courtesy of paolo ulian and moreno ratti

paolo ulian and moreno ratti have crafted a marble vase called ‘introverso 2’. the defining feature of the form is its bipolar personality. this duality is articulated through the suggestion of two surfaces. the first is negotiated by a series of stacked contours with horizontal interstitial spaces that create a rhythmic pattern of solid and void. the combination presents the work as a rectangular prism of metamorphic rock. meanwhile, the second is developed by a provocative serpentine silhouette hidden on the interior. the fragility of the layers that cantilever out of the central base allows users to become artists that take part in the object’s formation: they may decide to keep the original and raw shape of the first vessel, or make alterations and bring out the illusive curves using a hammer to break the slats.

hammering away at the material

both conditions show the natural pattern of the rock on smooth and rigid textures

two versions of the vase

display showing the transformation

the design allows for multiple visuals

the contours provide a moire effect

the interior silhouette is visible through the layers

production process

sanding down the interior core

tools in the shop

conceptual diagram

project info:

project name: introverso 2
design: paolo ulian + moreno ratti
photography: paolo ulian + moreno ratti
factory: vallmar

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.