The daughter of a German mother and an Iranian father, Amsterdam-based designer Siba Sahabi is interested in traces of the past lost in time and space, and the exploration of migration and merging of cultures.

"Bucchero" is the latest series in her sets of paper objects inspired by the history of ceramics. Taking both its name and inspiration from black Etruscan pottery, Bucchero comprises nine pieces - carafes, goblets and cups - which are hand-crafted from black wallpaper used for its strength and resistance to light.

The Etruscan civillization existed between 800 to 100 B.C. in the Toscana region and their so-called Bucchero ceramic is black because the pottery was fired in an atmosphere charged with carbon monoxide instead of oxygen.

This technique is known as "reducing firing" and results in a shiny metallic appearance. The Etruscans imitated oriental metal works that were imported from Cypress and Phoenicia (modern day Lebanon and Syria), and demonstrates the Western knowledge of porcelain production combined with Eastern sense of aesthetics.

"For me, that is a beautiful example of how one culture has influence on another one leading to renewal and cultural richness." Says Sahabi of her work.

"My intention is to make a link between history and presence, emphasizing the ongoing importance of cultural melting pots".

Photography Karin Nussbaumer.