Design as Applied Art
Once, the humble vase was an object of pure functionality. It carried water, housed flowers, and occupied a space defined entirely by utility. In ancient cultures, these vessels bore the weight of their purpose; the amphorae of Ancient Greece, for example, transported olive oil, wine, and grain across the Mediterranean. These vessels, though utilitarian, were often beautifully crafted, adorned with intricate patterns and storytelling scenes, suggesting that even in the most practical objects, a desire for beauty existed. Over time, the vase began to shed its utilitarian skin and step into a more symbolic realm. By the 20th century, it had transitioned from being a functional item to an object viewed as art, revered for its form, materiality, and conceptual depth.
This transformation reflects broader societal shifts. The industrial revolution introduced mass production, and with it, the once-cherished handmade vase became a rarity. What was once a common household object became a collector’s item, prized for its craftsmanship and uniqueness. In the modern era, artists like Ettore Sottsass, whose vibrant ceramic vessels blurred the lines between sculpture and function, further elevated the vase to an object of artistic expression. Today, vessels are often viewed not as practical items but as statements of culture, design, and intent. They embody the zeitgeist of their time, connecting us to our history while projecting visions of our future.
“The relevance of these objects in contemporary culture lies in their ability to bridge art and utility. A vessel’s purpose may no longer be tied to its functionality, yet its presence often evokes questions of place, time, and craft.”
The relevance of these objects in contemporary culture lies in their ability to bridge art and utility. A vessel’s purpose may no longer be tied to its functionality, yet its presence often evokes questions of place, time, and craft. In a society increasingly dominated by mass-produced, impersonal items, the return to such bespoke, artful objects represents a quiet rebellion—a call for authenticity, uniqueness, and a celebration of the handmade. Vases, once purely functional, have become metaphors for human creativity, encapsulating our ability to transform the mundane into the sublime.
To understand the origins of design as we know it today, one must turn to the Bauhaus. Established in 1919 by Walter Gropius in Weimar, Germany, the Bauhaus was not merely a school of art and design but a revolutionary idea. Its core philosophy was simple yet profound: unite art, craft, and industry to create designs that are functional, beautiful, and accessible. This concept was radical at the time, breaking away from the elitist confines of fine art and embracing the practicality of everyday life.
