This handbuilt oval ceramic vase is a one-of-a-kind piece by Mariette Groen of CATTO Design Studio. Sculpted with a textured surface and subtle irregularities that honor the handmade process, it features a sinuous snake motif slithering across its form—painted in earthy greens and ochres that shift with the glaze. Dual looped handles add sculptural elegance, while the muted palette and speckled finish lend an ancient-meets-modern spirit. Striking whether filled with flowers or admired as a standalone object.
WHY IT’S SPECIAL
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Unique artwork: no two vases are ever alike, each with its own texture and glaze variations
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Snake motif: hand-painted in earthy tones, symbolizing renewal and transformation
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Ancient-meets-modern: combines timeless pottery spirit with contemporary artistry
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Functional sculpture: equally compelling as a vessel or decorative centerpiece
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Handcrafted excellence: built and painted by Mariette Groen in her Brooklyn studio
DETAILS
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Size: approx. H 8.5" x W 11.5" (including handles) x D 6.5"
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Material: stoneware ceramic with hand-applied glaze
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Technique: handbuilt with textured surface and natural irregularities
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One-of-a-kind piece
THE BRAND
CATTO Design Studio was founded in Brooklyn, NY, by Dutch artist Mariette Groen. Influenced by her Dutch roots, life in New York, and extensive time spent in India, Italy, and London, her ceramics are hand-built or wheel-thrown, using varied clays, glazes, and kiln techniques. Experimentation and process are central to her practice, resulting in work that feels organic, unexpected, and always unique.
Groen’s pieces embody both beauty and function—designed not only to be admired, but also cherished in daily use. As she notes, “When I create, I imagine the possible function of a piece, something that is cherished on a daily basis.”
