In the tradition of the Zen tea garden—every plant, stone, and water basin meticulously placed to evoke a poetic mood or contemplative state—Charles Swanson’s StillWATER Series emphasizes the qualities of naturalness and contemplation. The series consists of a number of reflective water basins in different sizes and styles, each specially designed to augment entryways, garden walks, transitional spaces,…and your potential for enlightenment.
Solas
With its sensual curving lines and smooth outer edge, Charles Swanson’s Solas is a sculptural meditation on different levels of visual reference. Following the circumference of the bowl-like form, one is immediately pulled to notice the next level in – a slightly concave plane that beckons the eye downward to yet another layer…a hollow, off-set from the center. As a basin the Solas creates a compelling mirror-like presence for any indoor or outdoor space.
Zola
Inspired by the tsukubai, or "crouching basins" of 13th century Japanese tea gardens, Charles Swanson’s Zola is characterized by a perfectly centered circular aperture, generous rounded lines, and a balanced sturdy base. This mandala-like cast-stone form—much like the spirit of Zen itself—embodies the qualities of simplicity, refined beauty, and stillness. As a basin the Zola is the perfect way to bring the calming and reflective presence of water into any interior design project.
Lura
A slightly raised outer edge reveals a quiet inner shelf surrounded by a subtle eye-shaped trough, as four distinct sculptured lines slope downward to a diamond-like base. Inspired by another ancient Japanese-style basin known as the chozubachi, the Lura’s crisp elegant shape portrays—all at once—solidity and motion, tradition and innovation. Standing exactly one foot high, Charles Swanson’s Lura is an exquisite compliment to a larger garden or as an eye-catching centerpiece.
Enki
Bold. Mysterious. Captivating. The Enki takes its original inspiration from an earlier Charles Swanson project design: a commissioned rain catcher. With long sleek lines flowing gradually down into a generous and meticulously sculpted bowl, the Enki’s one hundred and eight inch footprint is a stunning way to feature a larger body of water within a gardenscape or architectural interior.
Ceres
Ceres' striking symmetrical structure is among the most highly sought after of Charles Swanson's designs. A blend of smooth elongated lines, sturdy base, and dream-like depths, Ceres has become a popular addition to patios, gardens, and residential design projects. With a ninety-six inch footprint, the Ceres offers a gentle-yet-commanding presence to any entryway.
Misu
Standing three feet tall and nearly two feet wide, the Misu is another highly popular Charles Swanson design. Like the Lura, the Misu—with its shallow hollow featured at the top of the form and soft edges sloping down to a sturdy base—is another chozubachi -inspired piece. Pictured here is the MISU, which—as with all Swanson-designed cast-stone forms—is available as a water basin, planter, or fountain.
