The ‘Chordata Tulip Vase’ was completed in March of 2024 and was commissioned as a centre piece for the Old Kitchen Gallery in Marchmont House, a Palladian mansion in the Scottish Borders. This vase focuses solely on form and function. When designing this piece I took inspiration from Dutch tulip vases and small, peculiar sea creatures called Sea Squirts. These creatures have barrel shaped bodies with siphons which admit and expel water and can be found across Scottish waters.

The functional aspects of this piece are to hold water and flowers which are received through its siphons. The flowers placed within the vase can appear as an extension of its form, appearing as though they could have grown from within its centre due to its bulbous form. 

Sterling Silver, 18.5cm x 24cm, 2024

Images: Shannon Tofts