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 Street, 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 Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Nearby Places

Deadly Ponies

Black bag by red wall.
Place Wellington
Fashion key icon.

Deadly Ponies have delivered collection after collection of iconic leather goods, each with its own personality.

RUBY Wellington

Customers at the counter in RUBY, Wellington.
Place Wellington
Fashion key icon.

A New Zealand favourite brand is well at home in Old Bank Arcade.

Los Banditos

Colourful Mexican bar at Los Banditos
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

Los Banditos brings Wellington flavoursome Mexican food, a lively atmosphere, exciting drinks and friendly service.

Bicycle Junction

Close up of a woman on a bike.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon. Services key icon.

Catching on to the retro cycles trend, the clever people behind Bicycle Junction's new neighbourhood bikery, describe themselves as “Urban Specialists”.

Similar Places

Iko Iko

Cards and posters on display inside Iko Iko Cuba Street, Wellington shop.
Place Wellington

The home of all things fun and fancy free, Iko Iko will treat you to something just a little different.

Yoyo

Furniture inside the store.
Place Wellington

Yoyo celebrates the creative talent of New Zealand designers in furniture, homeware and lighting.

Deadly Ponies

Black bag by red wall.
Place Wellington
Fashion key icon.

Deadly Ponies have delivered collection after collection of iconic leather goods, each with its own personality.

Union Tattoo

Detail of drawings at Union Tattoo, Wellington.
Place Wellington
Services key icon.

Covering a variety of tattoo styles, including fine line and delicate works, the team at Union Tattoo liaise closely with clients from paper to skin.