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The Vase in Floral Design
The art of floral design is a pastime, meditation, and/or vocation filled with the natural beauty of Mother Nature’s gifts. Flowers’ intrinsic beauty makes it easy to create a lovely design that adds to our indoor environment, bringing joyful color to our lives. The choice of container can make the design extra special. When flowers are married to the right container, arranging them is easier and the end result more satisfying.
When creating a design, the flowers are generally the first things chosen or received, and then we look for a container to display them. The choices are almost endless, and when working with faux flowers and botanicals which don’t require water the choices are even broader. Today’s trend of simply ‘dropping’ flowers in a vase puts greater emphasis on the container’s shape, as it relates to its utility. For our purposes we are going to talk about containers made for flowers and those which easily lend themselves to the design process.
First let’s categorize them, and then discuss how to arrange flowers in them. Although there may be any number of containers which don’t fit the following classifications, a great number will. It seems practical to group them by how the flowers will be arranged in them, rather than by style, period, material or other classification. That way, with each category we can talk about the easiest design method. I need to include a caveat here: ‘all rules are made to be broken’. In keeping this article concise, for the most part I have left out ‘generally’, ‘most of the time’, and ‘almost always’. One of the exciting aspects of any form of art is juxtaposing elements and using components in unusual ways, but in most cases that also leads to a greater level of difficulty, so we will embrace the ‘kiss’ principle and discuss the containers using their simplest function. As with all containers, how the flower arranger brings the vase and plant materials together determines the ultimate design, so use these as guidelines for letting your imagination run free.
Trumpet Vase Bottles, Jugs and Restricted Neck Vases Hourglass Vases
Straight-sided Containers Urns and Compotes Low Containers
Baskets Novelty Tulipiere (Tulipierre) Fan Brick or Block Epergne
Plateau (Plateaux) Cornucopia Posy Holder (Tussie Mussie) Tazza
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Trumpet-shaped Vases
Other names: Also known as flared, conical, and fluted.
Definition: Formed in the shape of a trumpet, standing on, or in, a foot or base.
Materials: Ceramic; porcelain; porcelain with ormolu; etched, clear and colored glass; metals (most commonly silver plate in reproduction pieces).
Style of designs best suited to container: All-around, mass style in a round or oval shape.
Design tips: Place the flowers that will rest on the rim of the container first, and then continue adding flowers in concentric rings until you put in the last flower, which is the one in the center of the bouquet. This method will utilize the shape of the container to hold the stems in position.
Notes: I like to call these vases self-arranging because essentially the flower stems ‘stack’ in as you add them to the arrangement, holding each other in position. This eliminates the need for mechanics which is particularly nice when designing in glass because using arranging foam is not an attractive option. The trumpet shape is a very traditional container for flowers and commonly thought of when the term ‘flower vase’ is used. The shape was often utilized in epergnes and nosegay holders (tussie-mussie holders) during the Victorian period and there are many reproductions of the Victorian designs being manufactured. The shape is also suited to contemporary styles depending on the materials and construction.
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Trumpet-shaped vase:
A very simple design created by placing a faux Staghorn Fern on top of the vase.
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Bottles, Jugs, and Vases with Restricted Necks and/or Small Mouths
Other names: Carafe, ewer, pitcher, restricted-neck container, flask, bud vase, gourd vase and double-gourd vase. Definition: A vessel with a somewhat rounded or cylindrical shaped body with a comparatively narrow neck or mouth.Materials: Any rigid.
Style of designs best suited to container: Free-form, natural, linear, mass.
Design tips: Use foliage or larger stems to help stuff the neck and/or opening of the vase to hold the other flower stems in place. To add more flowers to the arrangement make sure all foliage and unnecessary parts are removed from the stem, so they don’t take up space. The more rounded the base of the container, the more the stems will flare out. To hold the stems in position add rocks, marbles, glass or other material for the stems to set into and if they are visible, a good proportion to add is 1/3 the height of the vase. The ballast will keep the stems from moving around while designing, or when the arrangement is transported. Ballast is also important when using artificial or dried materials, because the design can become top heavy.
Notes: These containers are excellent choices when working with a limited number of materials. Designing in them is fairly easy because the materials are held in place by the restricted neck and/or opening.
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Bottles, jugs, and Vases:
Containers with small openings and a restricted neck require fewer flowers create an arrangement. It is often advisable to add sand, marbles, or other loose ballast. It will perform two tasks, the first being to help hold the stems in a vertical position. The second is only necessary when using artificial materials, to add weight which helps balance the design physically.
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Hourglass Vases
Definition: Shaped similar to its namesake, it has a cinched area somewhat below the rim of the vase, with a fairly wide mouth. There are many variations of this configuration.
Materials: Any
Style of designs best suited to container: Mass and line-mass. If foam is used any style may be suitable depending on the look of the container.
Design tips: This is one of the easiest containers in which to create a rounded, drop-in mass arrangement. Because it is cinched in the middle with a large rounded space above and below the ‘waist’, the stems will fan out creating a round form, while the waist binds them, holding all the flowers in their correct position. The technique is very similar to hand-tying a bouquet, except the vase serves as a hand, leaving the designer’s free to work.
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Straight-sided Containers
Other names: Cylinder vase, rectangular vase, bud vase.
Definition: A container with sides perpendicular to its base, making the opening generally the same size as the base.
Materials: Any.
Style of designs best suited to container: Mass and line-mass styles, unless using arranging foam, and then line designs are also suitable.
Design tips: The straight sides restrict the fanning of materials, unless they are artificial and can be bent into position. Because of this, they are more suited to a vertical style of design, whether mass or line. They require fewer materials to develop a design, and control of the materials can be somewhat easier because they don’t fan out.
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Urns and Compotes
Definition:
Urn; a vessel of varying forms equipped with a foot, with or without a lid, often with two handles.
Compote (tazza); similar to an urn, but distinguished by a somewhat shallow, bowl-shaped vessel atop a foot or footed stem.
Materials: Ceramics, plastics, metals, pottery, glass.
Style of designs best suited to container: There are so many variations that the style of design is determined more by the style and material(s) of the urn. Urns, though most typically thought of as classical or traditional, can take on a multitude of looks depending upon its design and composition. Compotes are especially well suited to centerpieces because the stem adds elegance to the design without adding too much height.
Design tips: Some urns are deep enough to hold flowers without mechanics. However, it is almost always easiest to use floral foam. If the urn is glass; a laced, hand-tied, or drop-in design will be required, unless the glass is lined on the inside to hide the foam. There are new colored foams that can be interesting as a visual part of the arrangement.
Notes: An urn is also a historical container, and was used extensively for the large bouquets in the floral still life paintings from the 17th c. to 18th century.
 Urns and Compotes:
Gray is a strong color trend in the garden accessories for 2009. The vivid greens and texture of the moss are in striking contrast to the soft gray of this classic urn. Made of natural rocks and artificial moss, this design has a life-like look without the care necessary for living mosses.
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Low Containers
Other names: Trays, bowls, plates, Suiban (Ikebana).
Definition: A low container suitable for flower arrangement in any shape, including geometric, natural, and free-form.
Materials: Any.
Styles of design best suited to container: While often used for centerpieces and all-sided designs, the style of the container will dictate the style of design and there will be an appropriate combination for almost any design.
Design tips: Some type of mechanic for holding the flowers is generally needed, such as floral foam, a kenzan (pin holder), frog, or chicken wire. If the preference is to not use a mechanic, cutting the stems short and using the sides of the container to hold them in place can be very pleasing.
These Rimba containers are ideal for creating ‘collective arrangements’, as are most low, open bowls. Start with a favorite figure, ornament, or candle in the middle and then place a collection of favorites around it. Small rocks, mosses and dried leaves collected on a walk, pebbles and shells from the beach – the possibilities are limitless.
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Baskets
Definition: A receptacle made of interwoven materials.
Materials: Traditionally natural fiber or branches, but any flexible material that can be woven may be used.
Styles of design best suited to container: Generally they are used for mass or line-mass style designs. However, with modern technology for construction and materials there are so many possibilities, there is undoubtedly a basket suited to most styles of design.
Design tips: When working with fresh flowers a liner is almost always needed. Any kind of bowl, can, jar or even a sheet of plastic can be used. It is easiest to use foam in the liner for baskets that are open and low.
Note: Baskets have been shown paired with flowers since Ancient Egypt where they can be seen in the wall paintings and bas-reliefs in Egyptian tombs.
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Basket
The organic materials generally used to weave baskets create a natural synthesis with plant materials. Low baskets are often the perfect shape for centerpieces and are easy to gather materials in to develop a design.
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Novelty Containers
Definition: Containers made specifically for flower arrangements in the shape of a figure, such as animal, lady’s head, baby carriage, inanimate object, even flowers.
Materials: Generally ceramic, but metals, glass, and pottery are also used.
Styles of design best suited to container: The container will dictate the design. Traditionally they are created in a mass or line-mass style. They are often used for living plants as well.
Design tips: Using floral foam makes designing in this type of container easier because they generally have a large mouth in relation to their overall size.
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Historical
Historical containers are defined as those made specifically for the use of flower arranging prior to 1939 when the Art Deco period ended. Within this category there are several recognized specialty containers.
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Novelty Containers
Always fun because they have a theme, novelty containers are excellent accent pieces. Their designs are often very detailed, requiring a simple style of design that doesn’t draw too much attention away from the container.
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Tulipiere (Fr.Tulipierre)
Definition: Generally made of pottery, a tulipiere is an ornate flower-holder comprised of a larger vessel containing holes, spouts or troughs to hold single stems of flowers. The concept dates back to the Egyptians who created similar type vases, but is best remembered from 17th century Holland. In French it is spelled tulipierre.
There are many different styles of tulipieres, both antique and contemporary. With the recent penchant for reproduction accessories, such as vases, it is possible to find replicas of original containers. There is also a current trend in taking an old concept and giving it a contemporary twist, which is producing some exciting new containers for use in flower arranging, and tulipieres are no exception.
Other names: Pyramid vase, pagoda vase and stacked vase.
Materials: Ceramic and pottery
Styles of design best suited to container: The container will dictate the style. Most often, single stems are placed in the receptacles, but more elaborate designs can be created using the spouts or holes to hold multiple stems. Minimal designs can be created placing most of the emphasis on the form of the vase.
Design tips: When adding the flowers make certain the end of the stems reach down into the vessel so the flowers will have an adequate source of water.
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Fan Vase
Definition: A container shaped like a fan, with or without individual spouts for holding flowers.
Other names: Includes the five finger vase, five-finger posy holder, and fan-shaped spout vase.
Materials: Ceramic, pottery, metal, glass.
Styles of design best suited to container: Generally used to create a mass style design, often repeating the shape of the vase. Those with individual holes or spouts can also be arranged with a minimal style design. When completely filled with flowers, they tend to produce a rather fan-shaped arrangement that doesn’t have the depth we are used to in most mass arrangements. Designs with an architectural feel can be created in those with individual holes.
Design tips: Fan vases hold the flowers in much the same way as a trumpet vase. Place the center stem in the middle hole to determine the height of the design. Then place stems beginning from the outside tips of the ‘fan’ (extreme right and left rim) of the vase and place the materials on either side in pairs, moving toward the center of the container.
Fan Vase/Tulipiere
The acanthus leaf motif on this fan vase gives it a very classic look. Rather than having an open mouth, it is enclosed with three large holes. The restricted openings make designing easier when using short stemmed flowers and foliage as illustrated with the Black-eyed Susans and Sage foliage.
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Flower Brick
Definition: A square or rectangular box made of pottery or ceramic with a perforated top for holding flowers. This same concept of using individual holes on top is utilized in many other shapes, including round, oval, and other vase shapes.
Materials: Pottery or ceramic, often delft (delftware) (tin-glazed earthenware in white and another color; most often blue and white).
Styles of design best suited to container: Traditionally a mass style. Interpretive designs of all kinds may be utilized.
Design tips: Using multiple stems in each hole will help them hold each other in place. Adding a layer of marbles, rocks, or glass in the bottom of the brick will help hold the flowers in position as well.
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Epergne
Definition: A type of composite table centerpiece made of several receptacles for holding flowers and/or food products such as jams, jellies, candies, and sweetmeats. It generally has a large central bowl sitting on feet or a footed stem. It can be a combination of any of the following: small dishes, a generally larger center vase or dish, small vases, hanging baskets, and/or candleholders. First made during the middle of the 17th century, they were shorter, generally having a large central bowl sitting on feet or a footed stem with radiating arms supporting small dishes and/or baskets. The compound trumpet epergne is a footed bowl with a trumpet-shaped glass in the center for holding flowers, which was favored during the Victorian and Art Nouveau periods.
Materials: Metal (most often silver), glass, porcelain or combination.
Style of design best suited to container: Mass styles. The varied combinations of dishes and vases lend themselves to mixing flowers with other things, such as candy, trinkets, organic collected materials and food. Many epergnes have clear glass vases which call for drop-in or hand tied designs. Living plants can also look very attractive designed in an epergne.
Design tips: Many epergnes have trumpet-shaped vases to hold flowers and these can be treated the same way a large vase would be (see Trumpet-shaped Vases for tips.) Because they are generally on the smaller side, they don’t take great numbers of flowers to fill. Using quite a varied mix of garden flowers and foliage lends an English Garden style feel to a design. Flower foam can be used in non-glass bowls and vases.
Note: While true antique epergnes can be quite expensive, there are wonderful reproductions being made in many of the styles seen during the earlier centuries.
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Plateau (Plateaux)
Definition: A flat stand or tray, often mirrored, composed of one to three sections. Used as a table centerpiece to hold figures, candlesticks or candelabra, and/or groupings of flowers in vases, and other decorations.
Materials: Most often metal and mirror, however other materials such as glass, ceramic, wood, and porcelain were and are used.
Style of design best suited to container : It is generally used as a base for other items, rather than a container.
Design tips: Plateaus are a fabulous way to set off a centerpiece. Providing a base to add visual weight to the centerpiece, they add elegance and drama. They also tie a centerpiece and accessories together visually, such as an arrangement, pair of candlesticks and figurines.
They can be used as the container for a design by placing a shallow liner on top and arranging the flowers in proportion to the plateau itself.
Note: At the turn of the 18th century the plateau was the most fashionable table decoration in the United States.
Note: Dating from ancient Greece and symbolizing abundance, it has become associated with harvest and Thanksgiving in North America.
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Cornucopia
Definition: Curved like a goat’s horn, the mouth is filled with fruit, grains and ears of corn. Used as a decorative motif in art, architecture and design. It symbolizes abundance.
Materials: Ceramic, porcelain and materials that can be woven such as willow and bamboo.
Other names: Flower horn, horn of plenty
Style of design best suited to container: Mass styles.
Design tips: Attach a liner inside the mouth to hold floral foam for fresh arrangements. Wire heavy materials to the cornucopia to hold them in place.
Note: Dating from ancient Greece and symbolizing abundance, it has become associated with harvest and Thanksgiving in North America. The Victorians, with their passion for flowers and decoration, liked to use wall vases filled with flowers, and the cornucopia was a favorite. They were generally hung in pairs with the ‘tails’ pointing towards each other.
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Posy-holder
Definition: A small, somewhat cone shaped vase with a handle used for holding a small bouquet of flowers to be worn or carried.
Other names: Nosegay or Tussie-Mussie holder.
Materials: Generally made of metal, sometimes ornamented with mother of pearl, pearls, gem stones and other types of embellishment. Style of design best suited to container: Mass styles, generally round-form bouquets.
Design tips: Tie the flowers and wrap a wad of damp cotton around the stem ends then wrap with floral tape or a piece of plastic wrap before placing in the holder.
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Tazza
Definition: A low bowl or plate atop a footed stem or standard. It is similar to our version of a cake plate or shallow compote. Height varies from short stems to ones several feet high.
Style of design best suited to container: Mass style designs.
Design tips: If it is a very tall tazza, use a liner in the bowl, or on the plate so it can be lifted out. It will make moving the design much easier. Used on a dining table, a tazza with a stem over 24” will allow diners to easily converse with each other. They are excellent for weddings, parties and events.
For a historical retrospective on flower containers check out our article titled Historical Vases of Europe and America.
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