FlexVase

The " FlexVase " consists of a single base with three different inserts that can be swapped out to adapt the vase to the bouquet.

by Using a fastener inspired by the well-known Weck jar clip, the pieces are held together by a practical clip. The silver-colored clip contrasts with the bright white porcelain and serves as both a decorative and functional element. In addition, a black rubber ring ensures that the porcelain parts do not touch each other.

The FlexVase has an archetypal shape and comes as a complete set that includes 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:

FlexVase was designed by 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.

“For the ‘ Design ,’ we started with three archetypal vase shapes, keeping the bases the same. We then sought out a flexible element to connect the parts. In our view, this element had to clearly reveal its function, so as to make the vase’s distinctive character and functionality apparent 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.

We were very excited about our very first presentation at the “ Dutch Design ” Week in Eindhoven, and it quickly turned out to be a huge success. And especially after winning the “ Dutch Design ” Award in 2009 for “best consumer product,” it became one of the most well-known products in 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 by into large plaster molds and firing it in a kiln. Afterward, a glaze is applied, and the various parts are fired a second time, but at a higher temperature. The FlexVase is the only product in the Vij5 collection that is made in China. To oversee the production process ourselves, we traveled to the factory several times. Our goal is always to pay a personal visit to a manufacturer, no matter where in the world they are located.

We believe the great thing about manufacturing in China is that the country has a rich history of porcelain production and, as a result, possesses a wealth of expertise. No matter how large-scale the production is, it remains a manual, artisanal process. It’s 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 aren’t many porcelain manufacturers left in the Netherlands. When we were looking for a suitable manufacturer in 2007/2008, almost all production— by —by Dutch companies had been outsourced to Asian countries. As young entrepreneurs, this seemed cumbersome to us, so we decided to contact factories in China directly. Through an English-speaking intermediary, we initially communicated extensively via email and exchanged prototypes back and forth. Since we weren’t achieving the level of quality we wanted, we then decided to visit the factory ourselves.

This turned out to be a huge success. On-site, we were able to adapt much more quickly and discussed many details regarding the right production techniques as well as the “finishing touches.” This personal contact helped us make significant progress.

In 2014, we had our last production run manufactured in China. The FlexVase you can buy from us now is therefore still from that run. Once these are sold out, we’ll have to rethink how and where we can produce the FlexVase . After all, the world looks very different in the meantime!

Would you like to see this product in real life?

Come visit our showroom in Den Bosch or stop by one of our ambassadors or other retail locations. Be sure to check in advance to see if they actually have this item in stock—not all retail locations carry the entire collection.

In need of larger quantities or considering it for 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

At our studio in Den Bosch, near the home furnishings district and just two minutes from the A2, everything comes together: showroom, workshop, warehouse, and office. Most of the products from the Vij5 collection are on display here.

Our showroom is still under construction, but you’re, of course, more than welcome to visit. Please contact us in advance and let us know which products you’d like to see, and we’ll see what we can do.

You can easily make an appointment by email or phone.

Ambassadors

A Vij5 Ambassador is, just like us, a great fan of the Vij5 collection. It is more than just a point of sale — it is a store that knows our products that little bit better. There is always someone available who can tell you all about the Vij5 collection.

Vij5 Ambassadors are specialists in, for example, our lighting, furniture and/or accessories, and are happy to advise you. A beautiful selection of products from our collection is available in their stores. If a particular item is not in stock, a Vij5 Ambassador can always order it for you.

Points of sale