A vase for flowers or for standing alone
A good vase does two jobs. It holds flowers beautifully, and it stands as a piece in its own right when it is empty. This one is made with both in mind. Drop in a single stem, a few sprigs from the garden or a fuller arrangement, and it gives them somewhere to sit that looks considered rather than an afterthought. Then, when the flowers are done, it stays on the shelf or the table as a quiet piece of sculpture. It is the kind of object that shapes the feel of a room whether or not there is anything in it.
Thrown and finished by hand in Oxfordshire
Every vase is thrown, trimmed and finished by hand in our Oxfordshire studio. We work in small batches on the wheel, shaping and finishing each one individually rather than pressing out identical copies, so no two are ever exactly the same, and each piece is unique. A vase is all about proportion, so the curve of the body, the height and the opening all have to be judged by hand to get a piece that feels balanced and holds a stem well. Doing every stage in-house is how we hold that standard rather than relying on shortcuts that flatten the character out of the finished piece.
Shaped to hold a stem well
So much of a good vase is in the way it holds what you put in it. The neck and opening are shaped to support stems at a natural angle rather than letting them flop, so even a single flower sits well, and the body is thrown to give the right balance so it stands steady when it is filled with water. It is judged to feel substantial and stable rather than top-heavy, so it will not tip when the arrangement leans one way. Whether you like the pared-back look of one stem, a few sprigs of foliage or a looser, fuller gathering, the form is made to make the most of it.
As good full as it is empty
A vase earns its place twice over. Full, it lifts a room with flowers. Empty, it holds its own on display as a considered object with real presence, on a shelf, a mantel, a windowsill or a table. It pairs naturally with the rest of the range if you like to group pieces together, and it looks just as good standing alone. Because it works either way, it is not a piece that only comes out on special occasions; it stays in view and keeps shaping the space around it all year round, whether or not the season is offering up anything to cut.
Made to last, easy to live with
Handmade does not mean high-maintenance. Each vase is made from stoneware, fired to a high temperature so the clay body becomes dense, hard-wearing and non-porous. That makes it properly watertight and gives it real durability, with a chip-resistant surface that stands up to being moved, filled and emptied. To keep it at its best, simply rinse it out and wipe it dry between uses. Everything is tested thoroughly before it leaves the studio, so it is ready to hold fresh flowers straight away.
A handmade gift with real presence
Because every vase is made individually rather than mass-produced, it makes a genuinely special gift. It carries the mark of the person who made it, from the curve of the body to the finish on the surface and the small signs of a process that cannot be rushed. Whether it is for someone moving into a new home, a lover of flowers and considered interiors, or simply someone who appreciates things made with care, a vase like this is a thoughtful thing to give, and an easy one to treat yourself to.
Please note: as these are handmade objects, they may vary in colour, shape and size from one piece to the next. These variations are not defects. They are celebrated as part of the handmade quality of every piece.
Refund policyOur refund and returns policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have passed since your purchase, we are unable to offer a full refund or exchange.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused, in the same condition you received it, and in its original packaging. A receipt or proof of purchase is required for all returns. Please do not send your purchase back to Country living; instead, follow the steps below to return your item to Brooker Ceramics.
Several types of goods are exempt from being returned:
- Perishable items such as plants, food, and flowers.
- Gift cards, downloadable software, some health and personal care items, and intimate or sanitary goods.
- Hazardous materials or items containing flammable liquids or gases.
Returns for Ceramics
- Ceramics are eligible for return within 30 days of purchase.
- Returned ceramics must be unused and in the same condition in which you received them, including their original packaging.
- To initiate a return, please contact us via email at hello@earthandclay.co.uk for instructions. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
- Once we receive and inspect the returned item, we will notify you via email of the approval or rejection of your refund. If approved, your refund will be processed, and a credit will be applied to your original method of payment within a certain amount of days.
Partial Refunds
In certain situations, only partial refunds may be granted. This may apply to:
- Any item not in its original condition, is damaged, or missing parts for reasons not due to our error.
- Any item returned more than 30 days after delivery.
Sale Items
Only regular-priced items may be refunded. Sale items are non-refundable.
Exchanges
We replace items only if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange an item for the same one, please contact us at hello@earthandclay.co.uk and we will provide a return address.
Gifts
If the item was marked as a gift when purchased and shipped directly to you, you will receive a gift credit for the return value. Once the returned item is received, a gift certificate will be mailed to you.
If the item wasn’t marked as a gift at the time of purchase, or if the gift giver had the item shipped to themselves, we will send the refund to the gift giver.
Shipping Returns
Please contact us at hello@earthandclay.co.uk and we will provide a return address. Shipping costs for returns are the customer’s responsibility and are non-refundable. If a refund is issued, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from the refund amount.
For higher-value items, we recommend using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance, as we cannot guarantee receipt of your returned item.
Late or Missing Refunds
If you have not received your refund within the expected timeframe, please:
- Check your bank account.
- Contact your credit card company, as there may be a delay in processing.
- Contact your bank, as processing times may vary.
If you have completed these steps and still have not received your refund, please contact us at hello@earthandclay.co.uk.
Need Help?
Contact us at hello@earthandclay.co.uk for any questions related to refunds and returns. Thank you for supporting Brooker Ceramics and Plants!