NYWELE VASE UMBER
The Nywele Vase Umber is a sculptural hand-blown glass vase rooted in modern African home decor, created in Kenya by African artisan studio Kitengela Glass × September Collective. Inspired by the Bantu knot, it brings warm amber tones and tactile form into considered interiors.
The moment a room stops feeling assembled and starts feeling lived in.
Where it lives beautifully
- On a console table, where the warmth amplifies contrast
- Centered on a dining table for a soft, ambient glow
- On open shelving where light can move through it across the day
- On a stone or wood plinth for an editorial moment
Umber softens a room while grounding it. Light passes through the glass and settles into a glow that feels layered and intentional, the kind of warmth a space earns over time.
Nywele, Swahili for hair, is a direct tribute to the cultural language of form. Inspired by the Bantu knot, this vase translates a deeply rooted hairstyling tradition into sculptural glass. Each raised node is hand-applied, forming a rhythm that mirrors the repetition and care of that practice.
| No two pieces are identical, because they cannot be.
Made in collaboration with Kitengela Glass in Kenya, known for their use of recycled glass and traditional free-blown technique. Molten glass is gathered from the furnace and shaped by hand without molds. The nodes are applied individually while the glass is still hot, requiring precision, timing, and control.
This is the first in-house design by September Collective. A piece developed from concept to creation to reflect both cultural meaning and modern form.
Styling
- Pair with structured greenery
- Let it breathe. Negative space enhances the texture
- Works best against neutral or dark backdrops
Product Details
|
DIMENSIONS |
Approx. 8.5"- 9' H × 5" - 5.5' W |
|
MATERIAL |
Hand-blown recycled glass |
|
FINISH |
Amber / Umber |
|
ORIGIN |
Kenya |
|
ARTISAN PARTNER |
Kitengela Glass |
|
DESIGN |
September Collective |
|
AVAILABILITY |
Limited |
This is not a piece you find. It is a piece you choose — and that choice says something about the home you are building.
Learn more about Kitengela Glass here.
Note:Each Nywele vase is individually hand-blown by the artisans at Kitengela Glass in Nairobi, Kenya. As with all handmade objects, slight variations in form, colour, and texture are a natural part of the process. The piece you receive may differ slightly from the images shown, and that is what makes it entirely your own.
Shipping, Duties + Handling
We’re pleased to offer you complimentary ground shipping on Canadian and US orders above $150.(excludes large-scale pieces)
Artisan Delivery & Care
Large-scale works require more than standard shipping. To preserve the integrity of your piece, each piece undergoes a specialized crating process from our studio to your home.
- Insured Studio-to-Door Transport: Full protection for your investment.
- Protective Structural Packaging: Designed to maintain the finish of statement-sized works.
- International Ease: For U.S. collectors, all duties and customs are paid by us. No additional fees upon delivery.
- Seamless Arrival: Arrives ready for immediate installation.
Key Details
Identification: Affected products are clearly marked with a notation on their specific product pages.
Checkout: A bespoke artisan handling cost is applied at checkout to ensure a secure, insured journey.
For further info, please visit our Shipping & Returns page.
For US Orders: Your order will be shipped DDP meaning the price listed includes all customs and duties. No extra fees at delivery. Ensuring your purchase arrives at your door with no additional costs.
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