Dutch designer Lex Pott has created a collection of cylindrical vases from oxidised metals for his first collaboration with Danish design brand &tradition.
The seven vases in the collection are made from blue, black and pink brass; aluminium; copper; and brown and black steel.
Each gives rise to the different colour combinations inherent in the chosen materials, contrasting both the colours and the textures of each metal in its oxidised and polished state.
Pott has conducted extensive research into the oxidisation process. "Every metal has its own oxide colour depending on the reaction," he said. "It took a lot of research to find the right recipes to accelerate the oxidisation, which might otherwise take decades."
Each vase was oxidised in its entirety and then the bottom or the top section was cleaned and polished to create a different colour and texture.
"By showing both the original and oxidised colour in one product the viewer is made aware of its material qualities," said Pott.
Because oxidisation is an organic process, every vase is different, yet the concept is entirely replicable.
"True Colours is based on a very simple principle, which is to juxtapose the polished and oxidised patinas of the same metal in one product," explained &tradition brand manager Martin Kornbek Hansen.
"But the process is complex, and the result demonstrates the richness and infinite variety of the materials. The contrast between the sleek, polished metal and the seemingly time-worn oxidised patina is something we really value," he said.
The vases are available in seven sizes ranging from 10 centimetres to 24 centimetres high.
Previous projects by Lex Pott include selectively oxidised mirrors and a furniture and accessories collection featuring patterns created by sandblasting away the soft rings of timber lengths from a single fir tree.