Borosilicate Gauge Vase - Large

Borosilicate
Mouth-blown in Slovenia.
41.5cm tall

The Gauge vase takes on the behaviour of the flower. The weight of the water holds the vase upright. The vase ‘wilts’ as the flower drinks the water, letting us know that it needs a top-up.

Something is lost when we bring flowers indoors. The flowers are no longer animated by a breeze. The flowers cannot properly wilt when they are dying because the vase holds them rigid.

A gauge is an instrument that measures and shows the amount of something. The Gauge vase indicates the level of remaining water, by the angle of the vase’s neck.

Like any vase, the Gauge can be knocked over. Unlike any other vase, the Gauge will spring back up. It is designed for leaning and swaying and will return to where it best balances - upright when fully watered, tilting when thirsty. The narrow neck limits the number of flowers so it does not over-balance. The vase can pirouette and dance. It invites people to play... because the water moves inside - sometimes following, sometimes leading the sway of the glass - an irregular movement is created, reminiscent of flowers dancing in a breeze.

Please see here for borosilicate glass making. Please see here for glass care.

Studio photograph by John R Ward.
OHIM Community Design Number: 002207779-0001
USA Design Patent Number: US D727,081 S