Statement Decor Pieces & Sculptural Ceramics
These aren't just vases—they're conversation starters for your home. We hand-build each sculptural piece to bring a touch of raw, earthy art into your space.
This hand-built Kurinuki vase was from a batch that failed, but its form is too beautiful not to share. The Japanese Kurinuki technique involves carving from a solid block of clay.
A fun hand-building project in the studio. We created this enchanted tree sculpture, complete with tiny leaves and a hollow, just for the joy of making.
A close-up of the textured, carved surface of the Kurinuki vase. Even though the glaze burnt, the form itself is a piece of art.
We were heartbroken when this piece didn't survive the firing as planned, but it serves as a beautiful decorative object and a reminder of the creative process.
An informational graphic showing some of our functional ceramic vases. We love creating pieces that are both beautiful and useful.
Another version of our graphic on functional ceramics, highlighting the beauty of handmade vases.
About Statement Decor Pieces
Every piece here is made using the Kurinuki technique, where we carve forms out of solid blocks of clay rather than using a wheel. Because of this, no two vases are ever identical—you will find distinct chisel marks and rough, organic textures that define the final look. We intentionally keep these surfaces raw, so while they make beautiful centerpieces for your living room or study, expect slight variations in finish and shape compared to the images you see here.
The Process Behind the Form
Unlike our wheel-thrown mugs or dinnerware, these statement pieces require a different kind of patience. Kurinuki is a traditional Japanese technique that demands we start with a block of clay and carve the interior and exterior to reveal the shape within. It is a slow, subtractive process that highlights the raw material.
Why They Look Different
We often leave these pieces unglazed or use minimal glaze to let the carved texture speak for itself. We are transparent about the fact that these pieces don't always survive the kiln perfectly. Sometimes a piece might carbon-core or the glaze might behave unexpectedly during high-fire reduction. While we hate losing a piece we spent days on, these 'failures' teach us so much about the science of clay and fire.
Styling Your Home
These items are designed for corners that need a focal point. Whether it's a bud vase on your bedside table or a hand-built sculptural piece on your mantel, they are meant to be handled and observed.
Care & Function
- Durability: Even though these are decorative, they are made from high-fired stoneware. They are sturdy, but treat them with the care you would give any art piece.
- Waterproofing: Some of our unglazed carved pieces are porous. If you plan to use them with fresh flowers, please check with us, and we can guide you on using an insert or ensuring the finish is sealed for water.
- Custom Requests: If you have a specific silhouette or size in mind for your home, reach out. We can often create a custom piece that fits your exact shelf or table space.
Studio Mudlife
We’re Shreya and Mahanth, the two halves of Studio Mudlife. We spend our days getting messy in our Bengaluru studio, turning lumps of clay into pieces that make your home feel like yours. We don't believe in factory-perfect goods, we believe in the kind of pottery that shows the marks of the hands that made it.
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