Constellations Collection: Blue Pottery Vases Handcrafted in France

The Constellations collection by French ceramic artist Karen Swami is a stunning embodiment of duality, texture, and elegance. These unique designer ceramic vases, often in mesmerizing shades of blue, reflect the artist’s commitment to uniting contrasts: the tactile tension between rough and smooth, matte and glossy, earthy and luminous. Each blue pottery vase in the collection is handcrafted in France, using traditional techniques paired with a modern, sculptural aesthetic.

Crafted primarily from chamotte stoneware, these contemporary French ceramics feature a raw, textured exterior reminiscent of natural rock or uncut minerals—organic and imperfect, intentionally so. This coarse surface is juxtaposed with a refined, radiant interior, glazed in rich, deep blue enamels personally developed by Swami in her Paris-based workshop. These internal glazes sparkle like the inside of a geode, revealing the preciousness hidden within what appears rough or even unfinished from the outside.

The contrast does not stop at texture. Karen Swami adds a third firing process using fine gold luster, elevating each piece to a new level of sophistication. The shimmering gold interior, subtly revealed, provides a striking counterpoint to the rugged exterior—symbolizing the idea of hidden beauty and timeless value.

Whether displayed as decorative art or used functionally, each blue pottery vase from the Constellations collection tells a story of craftsmanship, emotion, and transformation. These are more than vases; they are poetic objects, merging ancient ceramic traditions with the innovative spirit of modern French design. For collectors, interior designers, and lovers of artisanal work, Karen Swami’s creations offer an exceptional synthesis of material, artistry, and meaning—making every piece not just decorative, but deeply evocative.

 
 
 

Wheel-thrown stoneware, glazed and reworked with plant-based lacquer and fine gold. Unique piece.