A hand built stoneware Hawaiian style "Lei" vase, fired to cone 6 on the Garden Island of Kaua'i. Leis are usually a wreath of fresh flowers, leaves, or shells that is worn around the neck, head, hips or ankles. Leis are a symbol of Hawaiian culture and are often given as gifts to express love, honor, and celebration. The Alalea Lei Collection is a nod to the culture that has adopted us and allowed us to grow organic foods in its land. The vase is shaped in a traditional lei-style, with divots deep enough to house water and flower stems. The idea is that you collect fresh flowers and have an everlasting lei to display on in your house: whether as a centerpiece on your dinner table or elsewhere. What is Stoneware? Stoneware pottery is fired at high temperatures to make it strong, hard, and resistant to liquids (non-porous). It is made from clay, but it is more durable than other kinds of pottery and earthenware. The reason it is called "stoneware" is because of its stone-like qualities, so you can expect something that is rugged, durable, and exudes natural feeling.