When FIFTYEIGHT Products decided to apply their unique design approach on flower vases, it marked a radical departure from the company's core offering of porcelain tableware. It also was the start of a growing line of home decor goods that now includes a handful of vases. In this story, we explore the creation of porcelain vases with CEO and Designer Max Zimmermann.
Creating a unique home decor flower vase seems simple enough—until you try to give it a porcelain face. When FIFTYEIGHT Products decided to transform the humble flower vase from functional to phenomenal, they discovered that changing the face of home décor would be anything but easy.
In the beginning, FIFTYEIGHT Products mostly delighted fans with their signature line of serving bowls and coffee cups crafted from quality German porcelain.
But in the year 2016, the company explored new territory by releasing an unexpected item: the 'Laid-Back' Flower Vase brought a new level of style and cheekiness into the home décor segment – and nothing was ever the same.
What spawned the idea to expand into an entirely new category by creating vases? “We have always placed our focus on completing the entire ‘table setting.’ That’s why we also envision different shapes and materials,” said CEO and Designer Max Zimmermann.
“In this case, my partner Marc [Eckart] tasked me with creating a flower vase in the ‘Fiftyeight Style.’ So I got to work designing one!”
BEHIND THE SCENES: CREATING CHARACTER-DRIVEN HOME DÉCOR
As it turned out, designing rather tall objects such as flower vases differed vastly from the company’s smaller bowls and coffee cups. And sustainable manufacturing from high-quality porcelain added a level of trickiness as well, to say the least.
To understand how FIFTYEIGHT conquered these design challenges, we sat down with CEO and Designer Max Zimmermann to get the inside story on transforming traditional vase-making into character-driven art.
So Max, what is different about creating characters and faces for home decor, as opposed to making a bowl or a coffee cup?
The basic stylistic elements of our bowls are inspired by the classic French bowl. The hinted arches, the rough shape, and the footed base. Here at our animation studio, the coffee cups and bowls already exist as computer-generated characters with their own so-called animation rigs (the underlying structure of a character that allows it to be animated). So when our bowls need further facial expressions, these are not “work from scratch” and added to the existing rigs.
But with the vases you started with a blank canvas, how did you create the foundation for this new category?
On a fundamental level, the rough shape of the vases was very important to me from the beginning. Even without a face, I wanted them to always have their own unique “twist” in terms of formal design aspects.
I usually looked around for a simple vase shape, which I then twisted or shifted according to animation aspects. This allows each of our vases to stand out thanks to their simple yet exciting design language. And the face was the icing on the cake. Of course, we had to choose from many different facial expressions and nuances.
Speaking of choices, when it comes to creating the design, what is your process?
I usually start each character with a black-and-white silhouette that I draw by hand. I refine this drawing on the computer and start with digital illustrations of different physiognomies (the study of the character of a person as revealed by the shape and features of the face) and expressions.
Then I reach out to the team and after initial discussions about the 2D illustration, either myself or a fellow designer starts off the 3D modelling on the computer. This is where further challenges usually come to light that must be dealt with in virtual space, sometimes already with the limitations and challenges that later emerge in manufacturing.
Of course, having a brilliant design on paper or the screen is only half the battle. The real test came when it was time to bring these characters to life in porcelain. Max, did any manufacturing challenges arise for your vases?
Definitely “yes!” Every new type of product that differs in terms of size and proportions poses a challenge. In the case of the vase, the obvious question immediately arose as to how a hole could actually be realized for the mouth opening.
That’s the hole where the ‘Laid Back’ Vase elegantly holds a single flower, right?
Exactly! Our manufacturer BHS in Selb, Bavaria, is known for taking on difficult challenges and delivering excellent results with a very high success rate. They found a solution for the hole. In a separate step, a hole was drilled, which, however, increased complexity in the production process again. You might think, “What's the problem with drilling a hole?”
But you must consider that porcelain is already somewhat solid after pre-firing, but it still breaks easily when subjected to excessive force in the form of direct pressure or twisting. And the hole doesn't always end up in exactly the right place at the right angle.
Compared to this challenging first vase with a delicate hole insert, the follow-up model ‘Amused’ was probably easier, no?
Actually, quite the opposite [laughs]! With the smaller ‘Amused’ Vase, the limitations were unexpectedly more serious. I had to completely rework the shape of the silhouette! It was still a ‘round’ vase, but no longer so beautifully slouched at the bottom. This was difficult for me at first, as I already had a first prototype finished in porcelain that looked great. It hurt to have to part with it.
Ultimately, it’s all about being realistic when it comes to making a product.
Well, what good is the most beautiful prototype if you can't put it into production and get it out on the streets or onto people's tables? No sooner said than done: I found a new, exciting shape, and in this case, I was even able to keep the face. I “only” had to design a new body.
After overcoming the technical hurdles of production, the ultimate test was market reception. How did customers react to these personality-packed vases?
The vases were a huge hit! I get the feeling that home décor—in this case, vases—is slightly more important in the US than in Germany. At least, the feedback was even better in the US than here in Germany. But maybe that has something to do with the German mentality of often being very focused on price points, but then again, you get good, very durable quality in return.
THE FIFTYEIGHT VASE FAMILY: WHERE EVERY PIECE TELLS A STORY
Max's insights reveal just how much thought goes into each design. With such attention to detail and customer enthusiasm, it's no wonder the vase line has grown into a full family of characters over time.
Following the tremendous response of the first vase design, FIFTYTEIGHT kept the hits coming by releasing several follow-ups such as the ‘Amused’ Vase and smaller bud vases. Now the line welcomes its fifth flower vase: the ‘Delightful’ flower vase with a big head – and even bigger personality! Time for a close look at the growing family of FIFTYEIGHT Products vases.
1. The Pioneer: Meet 'Laid Back,' the Vase That Started It All (2016)
The ‘Laid Back’ Vase offers a single opening for a flower and stands at 9 inches tall on a footed base. It’s the original that started the entire collection, and so far the only vase that stars in animated video clips. Why? “We are a small animation studio. If we were bigger, I would like to have an animation rig for every product. That's why our ‘Case Study Vase’ has an animation skeleton, but the ‘Amused’ Vase does not, so we put more emphasis on the character of the ‘Tall Vase,’” said Zimmermann.
Speaking on the vase’s different personalities in German language and US films, the designer said: “In Germany, she is a little clumsier and more scatterbrained than in the US version. Here, she is almost a little sexy, which I also found interesting when the US voice actor recorded different versions.”
2. The Crowd-Pleaser: Why ‘Amused’ Became an Instant Hit (2018)
Wider and more rounded, the ‘Amused’ Flower Vase presents flower bouquets in a grandiose display and stands at 6.5 inches tall. Says Zimmermann: “The ‘Amused Vase’ is more of a cheerful sidekick with an observant personality. She is more shy than the large vase and perhaps a little smarter.” But for now, she is no animated character in videos.
“Unfortunately, we haven't been able to figure that out yet, as it doesn’t talk much due to the lack of an animation rig.”
3. The Dynamic Duo: ‘Cheeky’ and ‘Cute’ Bring Big Personality in Small Packages (2024)
Small but mighty, the Small Flower Vases ‘Cheeky’ and ‘Cute’ each stand at 3.9 inches tall. It’s all about the finer details in this edition: The ‘Cute’ vase can hold a single flower and ‘Cheeky’ boasts double openings.
“The two small vases also don’t talk a whole lot. They are modest and all they need to get their kicks is just one or two flowers,” said Zimmermann.
4. The Showstopper: ‘Delighted’ Makes Every Bouquet a Statement (2025)
The newest arrival in the lineup, the ‘Delighted’ Vase dazzles with a broad opening and high volume for lots of flowers at 6.5 inches tall.
“The new ‘Delighted’ Vase is very proud of spreading flower arrangements wide and generously. And thanks to its naive, friendly nature, it has no problem boasting a stunning flower bouquet!”
STYLING YOUR FIFTYEIGHT VASES: FROM LIVING ROOM TO BEDROOM
These artisan flower vases work beautifully as statement pieces in any room. Use the ‘Laid Back’ as a minimalist accent in modern bedrooms, while the ‘Delighted’ and ‘Amused’ Vases make perfect living room centerpieces.
For gift-giving, these handcrafted porcelain pieces serve as memorable housewarming gifts that recipients will treasure for years. And what sweeter wedding gifts than the ‘Cheeky’ and ‘Cute’ couple of bud vases? All vases are dishwasher safe and perfect for fresh or dried flowers. Sweet!
THE FUTURE OF CHARACTER-DRIVEN HOME DECOR
As FIFTYEIGHT continues to innovate in the designer home accessories space, these personality-packed vases represent more than just functional décor—they're conversation starters that bring joy to everyday life. With each new addition to the collection, the company proves that sustainable, handcrafted porcelain can transform any space into something extraordinary.
Ready to add some personality to your home? Explore the full collection of FIFTYEIGHT designer vases and discover which character speaks to you.
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