Mixed Media Magic: When Clay Meets Glass
When Clay Meets Glass: A Love Story in Light and Form
Some pairings feel inevitable. Morning light and a quiet room. Fresh flowers and a welcoming table. Clay and glass. In mixed media decor, few combinations are as captivating as the dialogue between ceramic sculpture and mouth-blown glassware. Clay grounds; glass glows. Together, they compose a living vignette, one that changes with the hour and invites the eye to linger.
At Trove Gallery, our curations celebrate this synergy. Here, contemporary ceramic works by Noe Kuremoto—rooted in the ancient languages of Haniwa and Dogu—converse with the luminous textures of Anna von Lipa’s Bohemian hobnail glass. The result is mixed media magic: warm, tactile sculpture set against prismatic, light-catching glass. This is handcrafted home decor designed not to match, but to harmonize—pieces with provenance, presence, and the rare ability to make a room feel alive.
If you’ve been searching for an authentic way to elevate your space—something soulful yet sophisticated—consider this your field guide to pairing clay and glass. We’ll explore the stories behind the makers, highlight standout pieces, and share styling ideas that bring craftsmanship to the forefront of daily living.
Shop the makers as you read: discover Noe Kuremoto for sculptural clay and Anna von Lipa for mouth-blown hobnail glassware.
The Ancient and the Airy: Noe Kuremoto’s Haniwa & Dogu in the Modern Home
Noe Kuremoto’s practice draws on Japan’s earliest sculptural forms: the earthen Haniwa guardians of the Kofun period and the enigmatic Dogu figures from Jomon culture. In Kuremoto’s hands, these archetypes become contemporary: distilled silhouettes, quiet gestures, and surfaces that retain the intimacy of touch. Each piece is an encounter—between viewer and figure, past and present, clay and breath.
The Haniwa Warriors form a chorus of calm. Individually hand-built and numbered, they read as sentinels—protective, still, and resolutely modern. Choose a single piece for a meditative focal point, or gather two or three for a gently rhythmic installation.
Discover the series at $1,700.00 each: Haniwa Warrior 93, Haniwa Warrior 85, Haniwa Warrior 74, Haniwa Warrior 92, Haniwa Warrior 124, Haniwa Warrior 107, and Haniwa Warrior 113. Each warrior offers a slightly different stance and surface nuance—variations that feel like inflections in a whispered conversation.
Counterbalancing the warriors’ upright poise, Kuremoto’s Dogu Ladies introduce a different energy: poised yet playful, with softened contours and a quietly expressive presence. Their silhouettes invite intimacy—perfect for a bedside tableau, a reading nook, or a sunny shelf where their shadows deepen through the day.
Explore the Dogu Ladies: Dogu Lady 91 ($1,105.00), Dogu Lady 93 ($1,105.00), Dogu Lady 95 ($1,105.00), Dogu Lady 74 ($1,236.00), and Dogu Lady 19 ($1,247.00). Placed alone, each reads like a small, quiet poem. Grouped, they become a chorus—subtle variations in posture and proportion creating a lively counterpoint.
What makes these ceramic sculptures so collectible is not only their reference to deep cultural heritage but also their tactile honesty. You can trace the artist’s hand across the surface; light gathers along edges and in small valleys of the clay, animating the sculpture throughout the day. In interiors, their role is architectural: they introduce vertical lines, gentle mass, and a warm, matte counterbalance to reflective surfaces—especially glass.
For a full view of the series and artist story, visit our Noe Kuremoto collection.
Bohemian Sparkle: Anna von Lipa’s Hobnail Tradition
If Noe Kuremoto’s ceramics are the grounding bass notes in your mixed media composition, then Anna von Lipa’s hobnail glassware is the crystalline treble—bright, effervescent, and mercurial with the light. Made by skilled glassblowers in the Bohemian tradition, each piece is mouth-blown and shaped by hand, giving that signature hobnail texture both character and function. The raised studs scatter and refract light, turning everyday rituals—pouring water, arranging flowers, setting a table—into tiny ceremonies.
Start with a silhouette that has become something of a modern classic: the 68 oz hobnail jug. Its generous capacity makes it ideal for everyday use and entertaining, while the hobnail surface offers confident grip and a jubilant sparkle on a sunlit table.
Choose your expression: the timeless Paris Hobnail Jug ($202.00), the playful contrast of the Colored Handle Paris Hobnail Jug ($214.00), the jubilant multicolor Confetti Paris Hobnail Jug ($269.00), the elegant Golden Handle Paris Hobnail Jug ($286.00), and the sculptural Alice Paris Hobnail Jug ($252.00). Each refracts light differently, letting you tune the mood of your room: serene, spirited, or subtly luxe.
Beyond the jugs, Anna von Lipa’s bowls and vases bring a soft, rounded geometry that plays beautifully with the verticality of ceramic sculpture. Consider the Round Hobnail Blond Bowl ($233.00) or the classic Hobnail Bowl ($158.00) for fruit, florals, or simply as standalone forms that catch and scatter afternoon sun. For floristry that gleams, the Blonde Hobnail Vase ($160.00) offers warmth and clarity, while the Confetti Blonde Hobnail Vase ($236.00) adds a celebratory lift with every stem.
For glassware that performs from brunch to nightcap, the tactile Hobnail Short Glasses (set of 6) ($267.00) feel secure in the hand and sparkle under candlelight, while the tall, elegant profile of the Hobnail Tall Glasses (set of 4) ($342.00) brings a refined line to the table. Round out the ensemble with the Confetti Carafe ($214.00), a joyful pourer that can double as a petite vase when the table calls for something whimsical and bright.
Every mouth-blown piece carries subtle shifts in thickness, bubble, and hue—signs of the human hand that make each object singular. These details are not imperfections; they’re the proof of process that collectors cherish. Explore the full palette and forms in our Anna von Lipa collection.
Styling Mixed Media Vignettes: How to Pair Clay Sculptures with Glassware
Mixed media decor thrives on contrast—and intention. Think in terms of balance: matte with gloss, vertical with horizontal, dense with luminous. Use these principles as you compose small scenes throughout your home.
On a console or mantle: Anchor with a Haniwa’s vertical silhouette, then layer glass for light and movement. Try Haniwa Warrior 93 ($1,700.00) beside the Blonde Hobnail Vase ($160.00) filled with meadowy greens. Nestle a low bowl—like the Round Hobnail Blond Bowl ($233.00)—for a soft horizontal line that balances the figure’s height. The bowl’s hobnail facets will bounce light onto the clay, emphasizing its hand-formed edges.
In a reading nook: Create a quiet but textured corner with Dogu Lady 93 ($1,105.00) and the Confetti Carafe ($214.00). Place the sculpture on a small stack of art books; set the carafe with a single stem nearby. The play between matte clay and prismatic glass makes even the simplest scene feel intentional.
For the dining table: Consider a trio arrangement that guides the eye down the length of the table. Start with Paris Hobnail Jug ($202.00) as a central water pitcher. Flank it with two figures—perhaps Haniwa Warrior 85 ($1,700.00) and Dogu Lady 74 ($1,236.00)—placed on low pedestals or slabs of natural stone. The alternating rhythm of glass and clay animates the setting without overwhelming it. Finish with the Hobnail Short Glasses ($267.00) at each place setting for tactile delight as guests raise a toast.
For open shelving: Height variation is key. Combine a taller Haniwa Warrior 107 ($1,700.00) with the wide-lipped Hobnail Bowl ($158.00) on the shelf below. Tuck the Colored Handle Paris Hobnail Jug ($214.00) near cookbooks for a subtle color pop that reads as both tool and sculpture. Repeat forms—two bowls, two glasses—to create cadence. A pair of Hobnail Tall Glasses ($342.00) can bookend a stack of plates while catching kitchen light.
Entryway welcome: Curate a small altar to slowness and arrival. Position Haniwa Warrior 124 ($1,700.00) to greet you at the door. Add the Golden Handle Paris Hobnail Jug ($286.00) as a vessel for fresh greenery—its gilded handle lends a quiet formality to everyday stems. A small dish like the Round Hobnail Blond Bowl ($233.00) becomes a catchall for keys, its facets flashing as you come and go.
Romancing candlelight: Clay absorbs and deepens the glow; glass multiplies it. Arrange Dogu Lady 19 ($1,247.00) with the Confetti Paris Hobnail Jug ($269.00) and a cluster of tea lights. The jug’s colored flecks throw tiny constellations across the tabletop, while the figure’s matte surface pools the light into gentle shadows. It’s an instant mood, perfect for late dinners and quiet conversations.
On the kitchen counter: Elevate daily rituals by keeping beauty within arm’s reach. Fill the Alice Paris Hobnail Jug ($252.00) with lemon water, and display Dogu Lady 95 ($1,105.00) nearby as a small talisman of calm. When not in use, the Confetti Carafe ($214.00) can hold wooden spoons and a sprig of herbs—functional sculpture at its best.
Coffee table composition: Pair one sculptural statement with one generous glass vessel. Try Haniwa Warrior 92 ($1,700.00) with the Confetti Blonde Hobnail Vase ($236.00). Add a few seasonal branches to the vase; the warrior’s silhouette becomes the steady counterweight to the vase’s shimmering, changing bouquet.
The key is restraint. Let each piece breathe; give glass space to catch light and ceramics space to cast shadow. Leave a little negative space so that the eye—and the room—can rest.
The Craft Behind the Magic: Techniques, Materials, and Care
Mixed media decor is most compelling when you can sense the maker’s process. Understanding how your pieces are made not only deepens appreciation, it also guides thoughtful care so they can be treasured for years.
Ceramic sculpture by Noe Kuremoto: These pieces are hand-built, allowing for subtle asymmetries and tool marks that lend vitality. The clay is fired to a durable hardness, and surfaces may range from smooth to lightly textured. Display them where they can be seen in changing light—morning sun will tease out ridges; evening lamps will carve gentle shadows. For care, dust with a soft, dry cloth; avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives. Place on stable surfaces away from high-traffic edges, and consider low-profile museum putty if you live with pets or little ones. If moving, lift the sculpture from its base with two hands to support its weight and form.
Hobnail glass by Anna von Lipa: Mouth-blown glass develops its character in the furnace and at the bench. The hobnail texture is both decorative and practical, adding secure grip to pitchers and bowls. Air bubbles, slight variations in thickness, and small waves are the heartbeat of handmade glass. For care, hand wash in lukewarm water with a mild detergent and a soft sponge; avoid extreme temperature changes (for example, filling a cold piece with boiling water). Dry with a lint-free towel to keep the surface sparkling. For vases, change water regularly and rinse with a bit of vinegar to remove mineral haze, taking care to avoid harsh scourers that could dull the texture.
Living with light: Glass loves light; clay loves shadow. Position glass where it can catch natural light—a window ledge, a bright dining table, or under a pendant—so that its facets sing. Place clay where light grazes rather than blasts: a sideboard, a pedestal by a north-facing window, or a mantel where lamp light can wash across the surface. In combination, they create visual tempo—glass moves; clay anchors.
Seasonal shifts: Lean into changes. In spring, pair a Blonde Hobnail Vase ($160.00) of fresh tulips with Dogu Lady 91 ($1,105.00) for gentle color and form. In autumn, warm the room with amber tea lights and the Golden Handle Paris Hobnail Jug ($286.00), setting it beside Haniwa Warrior 113 ($1,700.00) for a grounded seasonal vignette. These small adjustments keep your mixed media story unfolding over time.
Collecting with Intention: Provenance, Presence, and Heirloom Quality
A thoughtful collection starts with a point of view. Ask yourself: what mood do you want your home to hold? Serenity, celebration, curiosity? Let that answer guide your choices across media.
Why ceramics and glass together? Ceramics bring narrative and tactility, the embodied presence of the maker’s hand. Glass brings lightplay and utility—objects you use and admire daily. Together, they ensure your collection lives in the room, not just on a pedestal.
Investment pieces that anchor a space: A single Haniwa Warrior can define the tone of an entry, office, or dining room—its quiet magnetism drawing you nearer each time you pass. The $1,700.00 price reflects the artist’s hand, time, and the rarity of each numbered form. In the same vein, a Dogu Lady offers a softer, contemplative presence at $1,105.00–$1,247.00—inviting a relationship that deepens with familiarity.
Functional forms that elevate the everyday: Anna von Lipa’s mouth-blown glassware is meant to be used. The 68 oz hobnail jugs translate effortlessly from brunch to dinner party. The Paris Hobnail Jug ($202.00) is a timeless starting point; the Confetti Paris Hobnail Jug ($269.00) turns every pour into a celebration. For color and character, the Colored Handle Paris Hobnail Jug ($214.00) and the Alice Paris Hobnail Jug ($252.00) add sculptural nuance. Meanwhile, the Hobnail Short Glasses (set of 6) ($267.00) and Hobnail Tall Glasses (set of 4) ($342.00) deliver tactile delight at every sip.
Balancing the collection: Consider the composition of your home as a whole. If your furniture skews sleek and minimal, lean into ceramics with more surface detail—say, the expressive planes of Haniwa Warrior 74 ($1,700.00)—and pair with clear or blonde glass like the Blonde Hobnail Vase ($160.00). If your space already sparkles with chrome or lacquer, offset it with the gentle earth of a Dogu Lady 95 ($1,105.00) and soften reflections with the mellow transparency of the Round Hobnail Blond Bowl ($233.00).
Meaningful gifting: Mixed media pairings make rare, memorable gifts. A wedding registry might center on the Golden Handle Paris Hobnail Jug ($286.00) with a set of Hobnail Short Glasses ($267.00)—practical pieces elevated by craft. For milestone birthdays, a singular artwork like Haniwa Warrior 107 ($1,700.00) or Dogu Lady 74 ($1,236.00) becomes an heirloom that gathers meaning with time.
Curating your own Mixed Media Magic: Begin with one clay form and one glass form that spark something in you. Arrange them together. Then, live with them for a week. Notice how the light behaves. If you find yourself pausing each time you pass, you’ve found your anchor. Add from there—another bowl to catch the light, another figure to adjust the rhythm. Collection building is a slow art, and the pleasure is in the unfolding.
Ready to explore? Browse the full maker stories: Noe Kuremoto and Anna von Lipa.
Shop the Mixed Media Edit
Bring this material story home—pair a Haniwa or Dogu sculpture with hobnail glass and let the conversation between clay and glass begin. Explore the featured pieces here: Haniwa Warrior 93 ($1,700.00), Haniwa Warrior 85 ($1,700.00), Haniwa Warrior 74 ($1,700.00), Haniwa Warrior 92 ($1,700.00), Haniwa Warrior 124 ($1,700.00), Haniwa Warrior 107 ($1,700.00), Haniwa Warrior 113 ($1,700.00), Dogu Lady 91 ($1,105.00), Dogu Lady 93 ($1,105.00), Dogu Lady 95 ($1,105.00), Dogu Lady 74 ($1,236.00), Dogu Lady 19 ($1,247.00), Paris Hobnail Jug ($202.00), Colored Handle Paris Hobnail Jug ($214.00), Confetti Paris Hobnail Jug ($269.00), Golden Handle Paris Hobnail Jug ($286.00), Alice Paris Hobnail Jug ($252.00), Round Hobnail Blond Bowl ($233.00), Blonde Hobnail Vase ($160.00), Confetti Blonde Hobnail Vase ($236.00), Hobnail Bowl ($158.00), Hobnail Short Glasses (set of 6) ($267.00), Hobnail Tall Glasses (set of 4) ($342.00), and the Confetti Carafe ($214.00). Each piece is handcrafted, each story its own—waiting for the light and your touch to complete it.
Bring Mixed Media Magic home today. Shop Noe Kuremoto ceramics and Anna von Lipa glass, and create a room that feels as good as it looks.
