Dala Horse Vase, Spot-Glazed Terracotta

A handmade terracotta Dala horse vase with a flower-holding saddle and a spot-glazed exterior that lets the bare clay carry most of the colour.

The making: Hand-built in our garden shed in Scotland from rustic terracotta clay. The horse silhouette is shaped by hand, the saddle area cut open to take a single stem, and the interior brushed with white glaze for water-tightness. The exterior is left largely unglazed so the warm terracotta reads through, with selected spots of glaze for decorative contrast. Kiln-fired twice.

How it looks: The horse body sits in the warm orange-brown of bare terracotta, with isolated patches of glaze catching the light against the matte clay. The interior glow of white peeks through the saddle opening. A simple, sculptural silhouette — made to live as much as a piece of folk art as a vase.

Use it for:

• Holding a single garden stem or wildflower on a windowsill
• A bookshelf or hallway console as a small sculptural piece
• A bedside table marker with a tiny posy
• A gift for someone who collects Scandinavian folk art or handmade ceramics
• A quiet shelf accent in a kitchen or studio

A considered gift for someone who notices the made-by-hand things — birthdays, housewarmings, or simply because.

Care: Hand wash with mild soap; avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scourers.

Size:

• Dimensions available on request
• Watertight interior
• Handmade — small variations are part of the character