Transporting vessels of light: The 'Néophore' collection by Döppel Studio at ToolsGalerie

The light source becomes the heart of reflection: like a resource to be carried, it influences the vessel's shape, inviting innovative functions and fresh interpretations. This work of contrast between light (here, neon) and terracotta led Paris-based Döppel Studio to collaborate with Aliénor Martineau from Alma Mater, a ceramicist specialising in mineral-based natural glazes, to create a custom enamel responsive to luminosity for a recent lighting design collection.

For the Néophore collection exhibited at ToolsGalerie in Paris, from November 14, 2024 - January 11, 2025, the duo drew inspiration from the shapes of ancient Greek jars and amphorae, reinterpreting them as light-bearing vessels through the use of terracotta and a specialised enamel. Situated between amphora, lamp and vessel, the ongoing design exhibition invites viewers to discover this distinct collection. Each object on display highlights not only the usage and measurement systems of early civilisations but also the reverence for Prometheus; the fire, or quite evidently, light itself as a material in its own right.

The ancient forms of slender-necked jars, vases and amphorae provided the foundation for the collection. Lionel Dinis Salazar and Jonathan Omar, founders of Döppel Studio explained to STIR, "We have a deep passion for archaeology and have curated an extensive lexicon of amphora shapes. For this project, we selected amphorae that resonated with us due to their functions and the stories they carry, particularly those used as containers for water, wine and grains. To modernise these forms while preserving their historical essence, we infused them with our design language—a bold, generous and rounded aesthetic that reflects our creative universe."

Terracotta was chosen as the primary material to ground the project in its historical context. "We chose terracotta to honour the raw material and traditional craftsmanship of ancient amphorae, particularly the practice of shaping clay on a potter's wheel—a decision anchoring the project in its historical roots," the duo reiterates. Paired with the earthy material, the enamel developed by Alma Mater introduced a harmonious interplay with the neon light, enhancing the tactile and visual connection between the materials. The natural mineral-based glaze crystallises during firing, resulting in unique, mineral-like patterns that interact with neon's glow. This creates a striking visual effect that amplifies the individuality of each product design in the series and emphasises light as an intrinsic material.

Light, often considered a practical element, takes on a more poetic role in this collection: the studio conceptualised it as an integral material, inspired by the idea of 'transporting light'. This references the primary function of the amphora—transporting goods and serving as a unit of measurement. By incorporating light, the exploration of the poetic notion of transporting the immaterial and the intangible is achieved.

Prometheus, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, is said to have stolen fire from the gods and gifted it to humanity, symbolising knowledge, progress and creative empowerment. Similarly, Ariadne's thread—a glowing tool in the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur—guided Theseus out of the labyrinth, becoming a metaphor for clarity, guidance and problem-solving. These ancient motifs resonate in the pieces where light is a tangible material weaving ancient symbolism into pieces of contemporary design.

Döppel Studio and Alma Mater had previously worked with a flexible neon light for an exhibition at the Villa Noailles, a modernist landmark located in Hyeres, France, which sparked their interest in combining neon with clay. For the lamp designs in the collection, they tested both glazed and unglazed terracotta, ultimately finding that the glazed surfaces were particularly compelling.

Narratives drawn from early civilisations and mythology are woven into the project's design. Storytelling, as the lighting designers noted, is central to their creative process. "Every project is an opportunity to craft simple, universal stories that resonate with people. Myths, legends and history are enduring sources of inspiration for us. We often describe the objects we design as artefacts; bridges between the past and the future. This perspective allows us to create designs that feel both timeless and meaningful, deeply rooted in cultural narratives," the studio notes.

The Néophore collection reflects the studio's broader design philosophy. As they relay, "Néophore is emblematic of our work in artefact creation. In our projects, before freely exploring form, we focus on giving it meaning and creating a story. At Döppel, we have a mantra that guides our work: to design creations that engage both the body and the mind."

Visitors to the exhibition at ToolsGalerie were struck by the uniqueness of the pieces. "At the exhibition, people told us they had never seen this type of aesthetic before; it felt new to them. That's the highest compliment we could receive and we're absolutely thrilled," the product designers shared with STIR.

The name Neophore, derived from the Greek term for 'new bearer', encapsulates the collection's core—a vessel carrying the light of ancient wisdom into the present. By intertwining mythology, history and innovation, the studio creates pieces that transcend functional design, illuminating the enduring power of stories and their capacity to spark imagination in any era.