FlexVase

The FlexVase consists of one basic shape with three different attachments which can be interchanged to match the vase to the bouquet.

Using a closure inspired by the famous weck jar clamp, the pieces are held together by a practical clip. The silver-colored clip contrasts with the bright white porcelain and is a decorative and functional element at the same time. In addition, a black rubber ring prevents the porcelain parts from touching each other.

The FlexVase has an archetypal shape and comes as a complete set including three attachments.

Looking for larger quantities or to use this product in a project? Ask for a free quotation here. On our download page, you can find 3d models, high-res images, and other product information.

Variants:

The FlexVase is available as a set with three attachments so you can make three variations of the vase.

Prices:

Dutch Design Awards 2009
Winner best consumer product

Designpreis Deutschland 2011
Nomination

the Vij5
steps
of the
FlexVase

Transparency of the production chain comes naturally to us.

For us, that doesn't just mean giving information about where something has been produced. Our chain starts much earlier: with the designer of the product!

We'll tell you the whole story. Click on the buttons to discover the different steps:

The FlexVase was designed by Arjan van Raadshooven and Anieke Branderhorst. In addition to being designers, they are also the founders of Vij5.

The vase originated from a recognizable problem: everyone is happy with a bunch of flowers they have received, but what if you don't have a suitable vase in your house that does justice to the bouquet? This is how the idea arose to make a vase that you can adapt to the bouquet of flowers that will appear in it.

"At Design we started from three archetypal shapes of vases, keeping the bottom the same. Then we looked for a flexible element to connect the parts. In our view, this element had to clearly show its function, to make the distinctive character and functionality of the vase visible to the user."

Arjan & Anieke

The inspiration for this came from the toilet bowls in our kitchen, the principle we 'borrowed' to attach three different necks to a porcelain vase. The connection technique is thus clearly visible on the outside of the vase and explains its function at a glance. The silver-coloured clip contrasts with the white porcelain, making it a decorative and functional element at the same time.

Anieke Branderhorst & Arjan van Raadshooven

The FlexVase is very special to us; not just because it’s our own design, but with this product we were able to start our business and put our label on the map.

It was first presented at the Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven where the response was overwhelming. Especially after winning a Dutch Design Award in 2009 for ‘best consumer product’ the FlexVase became one of the most famous products from the Vij5 collection.

"The FlexVase has become a real classic in the Vij5 collection."

Arjan & Anieke

In the meantime we've moved on quite a few years, and the FlexVase has become a true classic in the collection. We are happy to hear from people now that they have sometimes been using the FlexVase for years and are still very happy with it. That proves to us that it's a timeless design, and we're pretty proud of that!

FlexVase winner 'Best Consumer Product' Dutch Design Awards 2009

Although the idea of the vase is simple, the production process is very complicated. It took us a couple of years, some failures and some interesting trips; but in the end we succeeded. Especially because the detailing of the vase in porcelain is quite narrow and of course we want to strive for a good quality.

Porcelain is fired at a high temperature in the oven, and therefore there is a high risk of deformation of the material during this baking process. This is an extra difficulty for the FlexVase, because the vase consists of a basic vase and several attachments that have to fit together exactly.

The FlexVase is made by pouring liquid porcelain into large plaster molds and firing them in a kiln. A glaze is then applied and then the various parts are fired again, but at a higher temperature. The FlexVase is the only product in the Vij5 collection made in China. In order to supervise the production process ourselves, we made several trips to the factory. Indeed, our aim is always to make a personal visit to a producer, anywhere in the world.

The great thing about producing in China, we find, is that the country has a rich history in porcelain production and thus a lot of knowledge. No matter how large the production, it remains a manual and artisanal process. Wonderful to see!

In the material passport you can find where and by whom the different parts of this product are made.

Why the FlexVase was not produced in the Netherlands

Unfortunately, there are not many porcelain producers left in the Netherlands. When we were looking for a suitable producer in 2007/2008, almost everything was also outsourced by Dutch parties to eastern countries. As young entrepreneurs, this seemed cumbersome to us, so we decided to contact factories in China ourselves. Through an intermediary who spoke English, we first had a lot of contact via e-mail and prototypes were sent back and forth. Since we didn't get to the quality level we wanted to be at, we then decided to visit the factory ourselves.

This turned out to be a hit. We were able to react much faster on site and discussed many details concerning the right production techniques as well as the finishing touches. This personal contact helped us a lot.

In 2014, we had the last production series made in China. So the FlexVase you buy from us now is from that series. When these run out, we will rethink how and where to produce the FlexVase . Indeed, in the meantime, the world looks very different!

Would you like to see this product in real life ?

Come to our showroom in Eindhoven or visit one of our ambassadors or other points of sale.

In need of larger numbers or application in a project?

Please contact Arjan and request a quotation here.

Vij5 webshop

All Vij5 products can of course also be ordered directly from our own webshop:

Vij5
Showroom

You can visit our studio and workshop to see, feel, and experience our products in person! We operate from a distinctive industrial building on the Hallenweg in Eindhoven. Most of our products are on display here, but currently, the showroom is being used for another major project. So, please get in touch and let us know what you'd like to see, and we'll make it work!

You can make an appointment for this by mail or phone.

Exact location on Google Maps 

Ambassadors

A Vij5 Ambassador is, just like us, a big fan of the Vij5 collection. It is not just a point of sale, but a shop that knows just a little bit more about our products. There is always someone present as a point of contact who can tell you everything about the Vij5 collection!

Vij5 Ambassadors are specialists in e.g. our lighting, furniture and/or accessories and will gladly provide you with advice. There is a nice selection of products from our collection in the shop. When an item is not in stock in the store an Ambassador can always order it for you.

Points of sale