The Bare Collection is a set of handmade ceramic vases and candle holders, each formed by hand in raw beige ceramic with an organic, unglazed finish. No two pieces are identical. The forms are deliberately imperfect: dented, curved, pinched, and shaped in ways that reference the hand that made them rather than the mould that did not.
This is ceramics as wabi-sabi. The Japanese principle that beauty lives in imperfection, in the irregular and the unfinished. Each piece in the Bare Collection carries the quiet character of handmade craft: slight asymmetries, visible texture, surfaces that change in different light. They are designed to sit on a shelf, a sideboard, or a side table and hold their own without competing with the room around them.
The Collection
Cloud Nine Vase
The Cloud Nine Vase has a soft, rounded form with an opening that narrows gently at the top. It holds a single stem beautifully, but it works equally well empty, where the shape itself becomes the point. The organic beige finish reads warm against both light and dark surfaces, making it one of the most versatile pieces in the collection.
Dimensions: approximately 14cm H | Material: raw ceramic | Finish: organic beige
Snout Vase
The Snout Vase has a more pronounced, sculptural presence than the rest of the collection. A wide base tapers into a narrow, protruding neck that gives the piece its name. It reads as both functional (it holds stems well) and decorative (the form is strong enough to stand alone). The tactile, unglazed surface invites touch, which is part of the point: these are objects meant to be handled, not just looked at.
Dimensions: approximately 14cm H | Material: raw ceramic | Finish: organic beige
Snake Charmer Vase
The Snake Charmer has a serpentine, undulating form that introduces movement to an otherwise still composition. It holds both flowers and candles, which makes it one of the most functional pieces in the collection. The flowing shape plays particularly well against straight-edged surfaces: a flat shelf, a rectangular sideboard, or a metal side table with clean lines.
Dimensions: approximately 14cm H | Material: raw ceramic | Finish: organic beige
Dented Vase
The Dented Vase takes the wabi-sabi principle further than any other piece in the range. The surface is intentionally uneven, pressed and dented during forming to create a shape that looks like it has been lived with for years. It is the most deliberately imperfect piece in the collection, and for that reason it often becomes the one people are most drawn to. The neutral beige tone and raw finish pair effortlessly with any colour palette.
Dimensions: W16.8cm x H7cm | Material: raw ceramic | Finish: organic beige
Candlestick Holder
The Candlestick Holder completes the collection with a piece that bridges decor and function. The low, wide form holds a taper candle securely while the raw ceramic base adds texture to any surface. At W16.8cm x H7cm, it sits low enough to avoid blocking sightlines across a dining table or sideboard while still making its presence felt. The organic stone finish and muted tone harmonise with the vases in the collection, making it easy to group pieces together.
Dimensions: W16.8cm x H7cm | Material: raw ceramic | Finish: organic beige
How to Style the Bare Collection
These pieces are designed to be grouped or used individually. Both approaches work, but the rules differ.
As a group (3 pieces maximum): Choose an odd number. Three Bare pieces on a shelf or sideboard reads as curated; four reads as cluttered. Vary the height and form: the Snout Vase (tall, sculptural), the Dented Vase (low, wide), and the Candlestick Holder (functional, textured) create a balanced arrangement. Leave space between them. The negative space is as important as the objects themselves.
As individual pieces: A single Bare vase on a side table beside a sofa, holding one stem or nothing at all, is the purest expression of the collection. Let the form do the work. One object, one surface, one moment of quiet.
Mixing with other materials: The raw beige ceramic gains presence when placed against contrasting materials. A Bare vase on a polished chrome tray or beside a glazed Cognac Step Vase creates a dialogue between matte and reflective, raw and finished. In a Japandi living room, this kind of material contrast is what gives a minimal space depth and interest.
On a dining table: The Candlestick Holder and one vase (the Cloud Nine or Snake Charmer work well with a single stem) make a simple, effective centrepiece. Keep it low so it does not interrupt conversation across the table.
Why Handmade Matters
Every piece in the Bare Collection is formed by hand. This is not a marketing claim dressed up to justify a price point. It is the reason the pieces look and feel the way they do.
Handmade ceramics carry the evidence of their making: slight variations in thickness, subtle asymmetries, surfaces that catch light differently from one side to the other. These are not flaws. They are the qualities that distinguish a handmade object from a manufactured one, and they are what give the Bare Collection its character.
Two Cloud Nine Vases bought on the same day will not be identical. They will share the same form and intention, but the details will differ. This is the point. In a world of perfectly uniform mass-produced homewares, the irregularity of a handmade piece is what makes it worth looking at and worth keeping.
Caring for Raw Ceramic
The unglazed finish of the Bare Collection requires minimal but specific care. Dust regularly with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid submerging in water or running through a dishwasher, as unglazed ceramic absorbs moisture. If using with fresh flowers, place a small glass or waterproof insert inside the vase to protect the ceramic from prolonged contact with water. Clean marks can be removed gently with a slightly damp cloth and immediate drying.
The matte surface may develop a subtle patina over time with handling. This is natural and adds to the character of the piece rather than diminishing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Bare Collection vases waterproof?
The vases are made from unglazed ceramic, which means they are porous and will absorb water over time. For fresh flowers, use a small glass insert or waterproof liner inside the vase. For dried stems or as a standalone decorative piece, no liner is needed.
Can I use the Snake Charmer Vase as a candle holder?
Yes. The Snake Charmer is designed to hold both flowers and candles. The serpentine form accommodates a taper candle securely. Use a candle that fits the opening without forcing it, and place on a heat-resistant surface.
Why do the vases look slightly different from the product photos?
Every piece is handmade, so no two are exactly alike. Slight variations in shape, size, and surface texture are inherent to the process and are what give each piece its individual character. The product photos represent the typical form, but your piece will have its own subtle differences.
What size vases are in the Bare Collection?
The collection ranges from approximately 7cm to 14cm in height. The Candlestick Holder and Dented Vase are the lowest at W16.8cm x H7cm. The Cloud Nine, Snout, and Snake Charmer Vases are taller at approximately 14cm. All pieces are designed to sit at a scale that works on side tables, shelves, and sideboards without dominating the surface.
How should I clean unglazed ceramic?
Dust with a dry, soft cloth. For marks, use a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Do not submerge in water, use harsh chemicals, or put in a dishwasher. The unglazed surface is porous and will absorb liquids if left in contact for extended periods.
Shop the Bare Collection
The full Bare Collection is available now at fjordandfuji.com.
Cloud Nine Vase | Snout Vase | Snake Charmer Vase | Dented Vase | Candlestick Holder
Explore the wider decor collection including the Cognac Step Vase and silver candle holders.
