Scarab

The ceramic vases in Caroline Cole’s Scarab Collection are cast from a mould created from a hand-built plug that curves out from a small oval at the base, to create a bulging tummy about a third of the way up the shape, rising to a long, flat oval at the lip. This creates a U-shaped elevation on one side and a tubby, droplet on the other, evoking images of a scarab – hence the name.

Caroline has used the simplicity of the U-shape in opposition to the softer curves of the droplet, to explore trompe l’oeil effects that exaggerate or conceal the bulging, curvaceous form, as well as geometric patterns that fade from intense colours to shadows as they play across the surface. Mathematical sequences and geometry drive the patterns and colours on these elegant little ceramic vases and, as with many of Caroline’s one-off ceramics, texture is added to the meticulously hand painted patterns, through the combination of exposed underglazes, matt glazes and shiny glazes. Each piece is handmade with extraordinary precision and can take months to create, as layers of glaze are applied and fired several times to create depth and intensity of colour.

Each vase is a unique, handcrafted work of art – a collectable ceramic. However, if you are looking for something made specifically for you, Caroline enjoys designing with her clients, to create individual commissioned pieces.

The Scarabs stand 170mm tall and are 170x90mm in plan.