lithuanian designer shapes sculptural vessels from recycled paper composite
donatas žukauskas presents 'fragment', a collection of handmade vessels crafted from recycled paper pulp and natural minerals that mimic volcanic rock.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- donatas žukauskas introduces the fragment sculptural vessel collection
- objects are handcrafted from a custom composite of recycled paper pulp and natural cement
- surfaces resemble volcanic rock yet remain lightweight, durable, and slightly elastic
- the series includes four vessels available in ochre and terracotta colorways
lithuanian designer donatas žukauskas has presented fragment, a collection of sculptural vessels that investigates the intersection of architecture, geology, and object design. the series reimagines the conventional vase as a sculptural entity, employing fractured geometries, asymmetric silhouettes, and tactile surfaces to craft pieces that evoke fragments of volcanic stone or weathered concrete.
every single piece is handcrafted using a proprietary composite engineered by žukauskas himself, incorporating recycled paper pulp, natural cement, mineral pigments, and binding agents. although the exterior finish mimics the appearance of stone, volcanic rock, or aged concrete, the actual material remains lightweight, durable, and slightly flexible, possessing physical properties closer to aged timber than solid rock.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
utilizing recycled paper pulp combined with mineral binders represents a compelling approach in modern sustainable design, upcycling waste materials into durable architectural objects. replicating geological textures allows contemporary creators to introduce raw, earthy elements into interior spaces without relying on heavy or scarce natural stones.
the collection currently encompasses four distinct vessels across two color variations: fragment ochre i & ii and fragment terracotta i & ii. each pair shares a common architectural vocabulary while cultivating an individual material personality. the forms are intentionally asymmetrical, featuring angular planes and irregular textures that interact uniquely with natural light throughout the course of the day. displayed individually or as an ensemble, the vessels operate as standalone sculptural artworks rather than uniform decor sets.
the manufacturing technique deliberately preserves inherent variations within the composite material, permitting minor fissures, surface imperfections, and textural shifts to remain visible on the final objects. these specific attributes constitute an integral part of the collection's material expression, reflecting a design philosophy that embraces imperfections rather than concealing them.
through its fusion of recycled paper pulp, mineral-based constituents, and manual craftsmanship, fragment positions the vessel somewhere between functional utility, sculptural art, and material experimentation. the collection demonstrates how alternative composite materials can successfully generate surfaces and geometries reminiscent of geological and architectural fragments while remaining entirely functional for contemporary interiors.
Source: designboom
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