Ceramic Vase Model “Stained Nightie”
Manufactured by Virginia Leonard
New Zealand, 2026
Clay, Lustre, Resin

Measurements
60 × 59 × 64h cm
23,6 × 23,2 × 25,2h in

Edition
Unique piece
Produced by Side Gallery for the Dries Van Noten Foundation

Details
Manufacturer's Label

Concept
Stained Nightie (2026) leans toward a formal, refined presence, inspired by the stately architecture of Venice. Upright and crowned with a closed gold top, it hints at a melting, fluid form—just enough to suggest movement—while firmly honoring the long history of ceramics.

Biography
Virginia Leonard (b. Auckland, New Zealand) is an established ceramic artist. In 1990 she obtained a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design, where she later completed a Master in Fine Arts with First Class Honours. Leonard’s ceramic practice emerges from a deeply personal dialogue with her own lived reality. Her works function as representations of her body, conceived as visual articulations of the voicelessness of chronic pain and bodily scarring, while simultaneously responding to a daily need to define and elevate her visual language. Her work is internationally recognised, with presentations at leading design fairs and numerous accolades, including First Runner-up at the Wallace Art Awards (Auckland, 2020) and the Main Prize at the Officine Saffi Award 4 (Milan, 2021).