Our ancient ancestors didn’t have the luxuries of modern living, but the mark they left behind continues to spark inspiration and fuel our creativity today. Even with all the progress in materials and manufacturing, the concepts and techniques of civilizations gone by often serve as a launching pad for contemporary artworks and products, showcasing the enduring nature of fine craftsmanship and innovative design. Even something as seemingly simple as amphorae can turn into whimsical vessels of joy, especially when seen through a fresh lens.
Take these designs, for instance. They share a vague resemblance to ancient Roman vases and jugs, but their bright fluorescent hues and mossy textures give them a surreal vibe. Their slightly warped shapes lend a sense of life to them, making these PVC-coated forms seem almost like they were curated by extraterrestrials, reimagined to reflect their own sense of style.
Designer: Maxwell Mustardo
Amphorae were essential in ancient times, used to transport valuable liquids like oil and wine or for storing grains. They were so significant to daily life that they were even used as units of measurement, similar to how we use cups and gallons today. Some amphorae had elaborate decorations and served a funerary purpose, acting as grave markers or containers for ashes, laying the foundation for modern urns.
Sure, today we have advanced ways to keep perishables, but the unique elegance of these “neck-handled” amphorae is something that can’t easily be overlooked. To our contemporary eyes, they look as though they came from another realm, making it rather common to see these reimagined in such ways. Bright, luminous rods added to some of them give a bright, other-worldly glow, both literally and figuratively, but a different approach can send the design into a completely fresh, cosmic territory.
By combining stoneware clay with modern techniques, these “Anthropophorae” seem nearly lifelike, albeit they appear frozen in time or petrified. Through sandblasting and wet exfoliation processes, the ceramic gets a rough, mossy finish that looks almost biological. A layering of PVC coating gives it a glossy sheen, and together with an unusual choice of color pigments, it makes these objects seem to radiate light even without any internal illumination.
The Anthropophorae collection is simultaneously mystical and alien, warping familiar designs and reshaping them into something new, but also bizarre. It merges ancient craftsmanship with modern materials and techniques, crafting a brand new aesthetic that traces back to humanity’s expansive history.
