Search

3D-Printed Ceramic Vases That Mimic Nature’s Patterns

05.09.23 | By
3D-Printed Ceramic Vases That Mimic Nature’s Patterns

Drag And Drop is a Romanian design and manufacturing studio, co-founded by Madalin Gheorghe and Dragos Sabareanu in 2019, living at the point where technology and artisanal processes converge. The studio’s ceramic collection falls in line with the search to reimagine the function and aesthetics of commonplace items – in this case, vases. A large 3D-ceramic printer was used to create intricate patterns that were developed using advanced software for algorithmic modeling. And all the while sustainability, aesthetics, and quality were kept front of mind. Check out more about the five designs.

black 3D printed vase on a bookshelf

Intertwined Vase

Intertwined was given its name from the organic, interwoven geometric pattern creating the vase. Inspired by growth patterns found in tree bark and root systems, the one-of-a-kind design was 3D printed in 100% natural clay. The vase’s interior is hand glazed and the exterior features a matte finish – a constant throughout the entirety of the ceramic collection.

detail of a terracotta 3D printed vase

Intertwined Vase

white 3D printed vase with flowers on a white background

Intertwined Vase

three white 3D printed vases with flowers on a white background

Bulky Vase

Choose between three sizes of Bulky, each with a textile-like pattern that’s highlighted in different ways throughout the course of the day. Observers are encouraged to explore the geometric vases with their hands for a firsthand experience of their texture.

white 3D printed vase with yellow ball-shaped flowers on a side table

Bulky Vase

three black 3D printed vases with flowers

Bulky Vase

black 3D printed vase with pampas grass

Bulky Vase

black 3D printed vase on a bookshelf

Ripple Vase

A wave-like pattern adorns the Ripple vase, demonstrating how mathematical formulae can be used to create patterns eerily similar to those found in nature. The resulting appearance mimics rippling liquid, perhaps from a stone being dropped into a creek.

white 3D printed vase with lavender on a white background

Ripple Vase

terracotta 3D printed vase a white background

Ripple Vase

black 3D printed vase with pampas grass

Kilim Vase

Kilim honors the manufacturing methods used to make tapestry-woven carpets made in nations that once belonged to the Persian Empire. This modern take in clay demonstrates how traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge industrial design can work together.

black 3D printed vase with pampas grass

Kilim Vase

detail of a black 3D printed vase

Kilim Vase

detail of black 3D printed vase

Kilim Vase

black 3D printed vase with yellow ball-shaped flowers

Melting Vase

Melting makes use of its manufacturing process. When depositing the layers of the vase throughout printing, it plays off of the wet clay’s suppleness. The hard end product juxtaposes with the appearance of a soft object that appears to be melting.

detail of a white 3D printed vase

Melting Vase

To learn more about the ceramic collection, visit draganddrop.design.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.