Japan X Kettle

Product Design + Cultural Craft Research

The Tale of a Japanese Kettle explores the intersection of traditional Japanese craft, design philosophy, and contemporary form innovation. Rooted in the rituals of Sadō (The Way of Tea), the project reimagines the humble kettle as a sculptural object infused with cultural symbolism. Drawing from principles like Wabi-Sabi, Mottainai, and Fukinsei, the design embodies imperfection, material appreciation, and asymmetrical beauty. Inspirations include bamboo architecture, crane silhouettes, origami geometry, and dragonfly symbolism—each translated into functional design features like spout shape, surface texture, and handle ergonomics.

The final kettle form balances tradition and modernity, achieved through material explorations in clay, metal accents, cords, and ceramics. Prototypes went through multiple iterations, reflecting Japanese minimalism and tactile intentionality. Supported by a rich visual language of moodboards, form sketches, and cultural research, the project celebrates the kettle not just as a utility, but as an artifact of mindfulness, craftsmanship, and poetic form.

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