Today, the shapes of vases have evolved from the conventional ones to modern designs and shapes. Vases are defined as having a certain anatomy. Lowest is the foot, a distinguishable base to the piece. Resting atop the body is the shoulder, where the body curves inward. Many vases are also given handles, though no examples are shown here. Next, the body, which forms the main and often largest portion of the piece. Lastly, the lip, where the vase flares back out at the top. Then the neck, where the vase is given more height. All these attributes can be seen in the pictures at right
It can be made from a number of materials including ceramics and glass. The vase is often decorated and thus used to extend the beauty of its contents. The vase is an open container, often used to hold cut flowers
The vase has also developed as an art medium unto itself. The ancient Greeks famously used vases to depict scenes. It has since been developed and in 2003 the winner of the Turner Prize was Grayson Perry, for vase art