Mix Vase
Manufactured by Natalia Criado
Milan, 2026
Copper
Measurements
30 × 15 × 28h cm
11,8 × 5,9 × 11h in
Details
Limited Edition of 7
Produced exclusively for Side Gallery
About
The Mix Vase brings together multiple gestures within a single structure.
A fruit bowl, flower vase, and candle holder coexist in one unified body—not as fixed functions, but as open possibilities. The object invites interpretation, adapting to different moments and uses around the table. Developed through a hammered technique, the piece allows forms to merge organically. Unlike the rigidity of turned metal, the hammered process enables softer transitions, where each volume appears to grow from the next. The surface retains the marks of its making, creating a subtle, irregular reflection of light that activates the piece even in stillness.
The Mix Vase is an exploration that departs from my usual solid, geometric structures, moving towards something more natural and non-linear. Formed through a hammered technique, the object emerges through process rather than control. The volumes are not imposed, but shaped organically, each gesture influencing the next. The vase remains open and undefined. It doesn’t prescribe a single function, but invites interpretation, existing as an evolving conversation between form, use, and context.
Material & Technique
This body of work marks a transition from traditional turning techniques to a more intuitive hammered process.
Through hammering, the metal is not forced into predetermined shapes but gradually guided into form. This allows for a more fluid construction, where volumes can expand, merge, and adapt organically.
Each piece is finished with a special patina, developed to enhance the depth and tactility of the surface. The patina reacts subtly with the hammered texture, creating tonal variations and a soft, almost living quality that evolves over time.
Rather than a uniform finish, the surface remains dynamic—capturing light differently across each plane and emphasizing the uniqueness of every piece.
Biography
Natalia Criado (Colombia, 1985) is a designer whose sculptural metal objects bring artistic character and refinement to everyday environments. From a young age, she demonstrated a natural talent for design, which led her to obtain a diploma in Industrial Design in Milan, Italy, where she honed her craft and embraced a new cultural perspective.
In 2018, Criado founded her eponymous brand, creating tableware and objects that fuse pre-Columbian forms with Italian craftsmanship. Working closely with skilled artisans from Colombia and Italy, she combines contemporary design with traditional techniques, resulting in geometric, minimalist pieces that reflect a dialogue between heritage and innovation. Her work embodies creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to preserving artisanal traditions while reimagining them for modern living.
