Ngonini Paper Pulp Vase

With its slender neck, pronounced waist and two loop handles, the Ngonini Vase has the sculptural presence of an ancient vessel. Its material, however, is unexpectedly humble: discarded newspapers, transformed into an object of remarkable character.

In a woman-led workshop in Eswatini, old newspapers are recycled into paper pulp and shaped entirely by hand using a technique inspired by traditional papier-mâché. Each vase then dries slowly in the sun for four to six weeks, allowing its surface to develop a distinctive, mineral-like texture reminiscent of raw ceramic or stone. Subtle variations in tone and finish make every piece one of a kind.

The workshop’s sculptural creations were showcased at Homo Faber 2026 in Venice, an international celebration of exceptional contemporary craftsmanship.

Place the Ngonini on a console with a few sculptural branches, or let it stand alone among carefully chosen objects on a shelf. Its understated form, tactile surface and thoughtful transformation of waste into design bring a quiet yet distinctive presence to any interior.