Coral Teapot

Coral Teapot is an award-winning ceramic art piece that exemplifies the harmonious fusion of functional design and artistic expression, created by Singapore-based ceramic artist Swee Tuan Pang. This distinctive earthenware creation, measuring 125mm x 90mm x 165mm, draws its inspiration from the intricate patterns and organic forms found in marine coral formations, serving as a poignant tribute to the artist's childhood memories of beachside explorations. The teapot's most notable feature is its innovative single handle design, which revolutionizes traditional teapot functionality by enabling multi-directional handling - whether from overhead, left, or right - making it uniquely adaptable to various cultural tea-serving customs. Crafted through a meticulous process of coil construction, the piece showcases sophisticated alterations, detailed carving, and intricate texturing, finished with a shino glaze and oxidation fired at 1200°C. The design incorporates thoughtful ergonomic elements, including a strategic indent at the back for improved grip, while the handle's integration with the lid creates a seamless, flowing aesthetic that encircles the entire form. This exceptional work, which earned the Silver A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category, represents a significant achievement in contemporary ceramic art, demonstrating the successful marriage of functional design with artistic excellence. The piece's creation, completed between January and February 2013, required exceptional skill to overcome the technical challenges of maintaining the overhead handle's position in pre-fired clay and executing the detailed coral texturing, resulting in a masterpiece that bridges cultural differences in tea-serving traditions while celebrating natural forms.

Author: Adam Dawson

Keywords: ceramic art, functional design, marine-inspired, earthenware craftsmanship, cultural fusion, ergonomic innovation

SOURCES:
https://competition.adesignaward.com/100327

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