COLLECTION NO. 1
Yixing teapots become more seasoned with each use – so much that eventually tea can be brewed by just pouring boiling water into an empty pot. Fascinated by this discovery, we wanted to explore ways to modernize the use of this material in order to introduce the beauty of purple clay to the rest of the world.
THE BAMBOO SERIES
Yixing is famous for its beautiful natural landscapes. This series is inspired by The Sea of Bamboo, one of the most attractive sceneries in the area. Modernizing the traditional purple clay teapot, the spout, handle, and strong vertical axis borrows from the structure of bamboo branches. These cups stack into one another, which not only creates space saving during storage, but references ancient water drinking practices of cutting a piece of bamboo stalk for daily use.
THE STONE SERIES
Along with bamboo forests, Yixing is known for its rivers and water-eroded caves. Taking advantage of the handmade element of crafting purple clay, the second series is inspired by river rocks, each uniquely different in size and shape. Experimenting with ways to use purple clay besides just tea brewing, this collection can be used as a decorative item or storage.
THE GRID SERIES
Just as Chinese characters are formed by combining simple pictograms that both stand on their own or work together to create other words, this series features a modular design where the pieces can be used separately or grouped together. Continuing to explore other applications for purple clay, this collection functions as tableware. Using this material for eating takes advantage of purple clay’s porous nature, enhancing flavor over time. It also appeals to the trend of sharing food with smaller portions but more choices.
THE KOI SERIES
Although purple clay has demonstrated multiple uses for functionality, it also has a long- standing history of being a method of self-expression and art. This series is inspired by classical Suzhou gardens, which represent the development of China’s signature landscape design and the most refined form of garden art. The form is reminiscent of koi fish often found in the ponds of these backyard gardens.