Indeligentsia - smart ceramics
December 15, 2008
By Hilda Allen
Given the change in our patterns of lifestyle and our change in the relationship we have with, and the types of food, we eat, isn't it time that our ceramics reflected this. Ceramic design for the modern home have moved on from the ideal of Wedgewood and wedding sets and towards fluidity and flexibilty. Perhaps the new hallmark of the modern dinner set is that there is in fact no dinner set ! Here we give you a run down of the best on the market.
Thelermont Hupton’s work forms “a project inspired by TV dinners. Designing from the surmise that dinner tables were "becoming less and less of a feature at mealtimes!” his Lap Mug and thumb bowl are designed for the fact that your more likely to use it from the sofa than at a dinner party. Another to look out for in the function bracket are Muuto, seeking to create something different from the pieces which litter office cubicles the world over, they've certainly brought us something different with their works (see gallery).
Lm-designs 'Ollo' range is not only beautifully designed but also takes function to a new level. The Ollo bowl is air insulated to protect from heat and contains a centre weight to act as a counterbalance and provide additional stability. Other items we found impressive on the design front are David Piers ergonomic range of cups that are as delightful to the hand as they are to the eye and Henk Stallinga's "taste of talking" range which utilise pieces from real phones.
The deligentsia amongst you will no doubt appreciate Max Kistner's latest designs which allow you to surf your salad in the bowl without tossing the ingredients around your table. Although the mirrored inside ( it wont spoil those delicate dressings ) may well give your antipasti delusions of grandeur its fluid exterior holds its own on any table. For those of you who crave tradition why not try Droog's design Bowls Plus, based on ideas of traditional Chinese hospitality and redesigned by Michelle Huang.
Finally (and largoms favourite) is Siglint Kesslers ceramics that take shape from an intersecting plane in which the sphere of the bowl sits. Not only are they stable, look great and work perfectly, the range is ideal for everything from humble soups to intricate mezze selections. I'd say all this form and function would inspire me to cook, but, lets face it, you can just bring the goodies out to me on the couch !
Click on launch gallery to view images.
Related articles
