SACRED VESSEL No. 13
SACRED BOWL No. 13
Unique Work · Stoneware · 2026
THE WORK
SACRED BOWL No. 13 is a one-of-a-kind Orthodox Christian stoneware bowl, individually formed by hand and inscribed with a single ancient Greek word:
Νῆψις — Watchfulness.
Known as nepsis, this central concept of Orthodox ascetic spirituality describes the attentive guarding of the heart and mind, joined to prayer and the continual remembrance of God.
Its broad, low silhouette recalls early ceramic vessels, while its dark earthen and pale mineral surfaces evoke weathered stone, aged plaster, and the restrained material character of ancient Christian objects.
The inscription brings the language of Orthodox spiritual discipline into an everyday form, connecting the nourishment of the body with attentiveness to the soul.
The work belongs to THE SACRED, the DOM VECHERA collection of handmade Christian stoneware inspired by ancient Christianity, prayer, and devotion.
THE INSCRIPTION
Νῆψις
Nēpsis
Watchfulness · Spiritual Vigilance
Within Orthodox Christian tradition, nepsis describes spiritual sobriety, vigilance over one's thoughts, and the attentive guarding of the heart.
The concept occupies an important place in the writings of the Church Fathers, particularly within Orthodox ascetic and hesychastic traditions.
Closely joined to prayer, watchfulness calls the Christian to resist distraction and continually return the mind toward God.
Carved into a vessel associated with nourishment, the inscription also recalls the spiritual discipline of fasting, in which bodily restraint is joined to inward attentiveness.
Each letter is carved directly into the clay, becoming an enduring part of the vessel rather than decoration applied to its surface.
SURFACE & FORM
The broad, low body is individually shaped, retaining subtle movement through its profile and rim.
Dark earthen tones move against areas of pale mineral glaze, creating a restrained contrast reminiscent of weathered stone and ancient ceramic surfaces.
The Greek inscription is integrated directly into the clay, joining language, material, and form.
Variations in carving, glaze movement, profile, and firing remain visible throughout the work.
No two surfaces, inscriptions, or silhouettes are identical. Every variation belongs to this individual bowl.
DETAILS
Collection: THE SACRED
Form: Sculptural Christian stoneware bowl
Material: High-fired stoneware
Language: Greek
Inscription: Νῆψις
Transliteration: Nēpsis
Meaning: Watchfulness · Spiritual vigilance
Inscription Method: Hand-carved
Surface: Dark earthen and pale mineral glazes
Dimensions: Approx. 2.5 in. H × 5.5 in. diameter
Capacity: Approx. 20–24 fl oz
Weight: Approx. 1.25–1.75 lb
Firing: Cone 6
Edition: Unique Work
Created: February 2026
House Record: DV.2026.013
THE FOUNDER'S MARK
The earliest works of DOM VECHERA bear DS, the original maker's mark used by Olga before the establishment of the House. These works retain the mark as part of their provenance.
ДОМ ВЕЧЕРА · HOUSE OF SACRED STONEWARE
