Vessel

Monday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Tuesday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Wednesday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Thursday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Friday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Saturday10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Sunday12:00 – 4:00 pm.

87 Victoria St, Te Aro, Wellington

04 499 2321

If there was ever a shop whose essence was perfectly captured by its name, then Vessel might be it. For as unassuming as the place may seem, the items it sells aren’t mere crockery - they’re works of art, vessels carrying their own story.

With its glass frontage and wide sliding door opening out onto the street, Vessel offers a warm welcome for passersby on the busy Victoria Street. Whether you’ve got a piece in mind or just happy to browse for now, the shop presents a shelter from the hectic city surrounds, with concrete floors and plain marine ply shelves lending it an informal and relaxed atmosphere.

Celia Howden opened Vessel in 2003 after spotting a gap in the market for quality, locally handmade homeware, a vision the store continues to fulfil to this day. Vessel specialises mainly in artisan products, with an emphasis on locally made pottery. You could spend a day perusing the exquisite bowls, plates, and cups laid out on the uniform rows of shelves. There are some pieces from overseas as well, such as the Sophie Digard scarves from Paris; knives from France and Spain; German brushes; and Japanese towels.

Functionality has always been a big theme at Vessel, with each item in the eclectic catalogue chosen for its quality and usefulness. There’s an immense amount of care invested into the curation process, and Vessel’s following, driven by a reputation for style and quality, is well-deserved.

You shouldn’t expect the ordinary when you visit Vessel. Not merely a shop where you drop by to pick up a few bowls, it’s a place where form and function combine to bring art into your kitchen.

Words by John Son & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

87 Victoria St, Te Aro, Wellington

Nearby Places

Scopa Pizzeria

Close up of pizza.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Restaurants key icon.

A great option for pizza or a late night chocolate hit, this little landmark has you covered.

Highwater Eatery

Long narrow restaurant with people dining in rows.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Restaurants key icon.

This new eatery combines its efforts of sustainability with celebrating the good times - meaning you can eat and drink and have a great time with the knowledge that you're supporting the good guys.

Dragonfly

Diners sitting at tables in the dining room at Dragonfly.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Dragonfly is a hidden oasis within Wellington’s Courtenay Place, lively yet intimate, this modern Asian venue has cultivated an unrivalled atmosphere and service in...

Eva's Garage

Customer and his dog sitting outside Eva's Garage.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Cafes key icon. Services key icon.

Who knew you could fit so much into a garage? Wellington’s Eva’s Garage isn’t your average coffee stop, it’s a one-of-a-kind inner-city escape built...

Similar Places

The Wilderness

Flowers and candles on display on white shelves inside The Wilderness.
Place Kāpiti Coast Kāpiti Coast Editor's Pick
Services key icon.

Stunning seasonal blooms, dried floral installations, indoor plants, terrariums, candles, chocolate… it’s well worth popping in to admire all the lovely items in The Wilderness.

Monkfish

Strongwater fridge filled with chilled drinks at Monkfish.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Bars key icon. Goods key icon.

A cosy refillery and off-licence that’s strictly about good vibes, Monkfish is your Vivian Street stop for your beer, wine, and spirits needs.

Penray Gardens

Place Kāpiti Coast Kāpiti Coast
Stay and explore key icon. Goods key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

Penray Gardens is a pick-your-own paradise located in Ōtaki on the Kāpiti Coast.

Real Aotearoa

Coloured glass vases on display.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Fashion key icon.

Peppered with tight rows of the most beautiful glass and pounamu pieces, Real Aotearoa is a gallery that is intentionally small.