‘Omaggio in Grey’ large stoneware vase by Amy Hughes

Bringing a contemporary twist to the designs of the famous Italian architect and etcher Piranesi (1720-1788), Amy Hughes’ ‘Omaggio’ series comprises a trio of large stoneware vases. This piece, entitled ‘Omaggio in Grey’, combines glazed and unglazed sections on the exterior, the body applied with swirling forms.

The body is of elegant campagna form, reflecting Piranesi’s own neoclassicism. The lower half – including the socle and lower third of the body – is unglazed, and the deep grey stone is highly textured. The flared upper half has been treated with a green-toned glaze, that superbly complements the darker grey beneath. Sporadic, serpentine forms are attached to the upper exterior as well as emerging from the vase’s interior, making it seem almost as if the vase is alive. Delicate fluting can be seen throughout – a further nod to antique styles. The slight asymmetry of composition pays further reference to Piranesi’s eclecticism.

Born in West Yorkshire, ceramicist Amy Hughes graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2010. Throughout her career, Hughes has exhibited internationally, at renowned institutions such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, as well as having her work showcased in high-profile shows and fairs such as Art Miami and Collect. She has been nominated for several major awards, and in 2015 was selected for the first ‘Ceramics & Industry’ residency at the V&A.

Amy writes of this series: “My work made for the exhibition seeks to reference Piranesi’s highly decorative and ‘elaborate pastiche’ style: the hand-built forms are realised from his series of etchings, each vase playfully explores and exaggerates ornamentation from his artworks, attempting to capture some of the creativity and imagination as demonstrated by the visionary himself”.

This unusual work is a true showpiece, that would stand beautifully either alone or alongside its companion vases. View the other vases in the series here and here.