The Peacock: A Majestic Fusion of Ancient Craftsmanship and Modern Technology

Reviving the Song Dynasty's Feather-Textured Blue Porcelain Glaze in a Unique Wine Cellar

The Peacock's uniqueness lies in its use of ancient craftsmanship combined with modern fabrication technologies. The cellar's blue tone comes from one thousand individually handcrafted blue glazed clay tiles, reminiscent of a peacock's feathers. These tiles were created in collaboration with artisans from the historic porcelain town of Jingdezhen, China, known for its exquisite porcelain throughout the dynasties.

Creating these tiles was a feat of patience and skill. Over two years, the artisans worked to recreate the glazing for each tile one by one in small kilns. The process required extreme heat to achieve the blue color tone, resulting in only 1 in 10 pieces surviving. This painstaking process makes it unlikely that such work would be attempted again, further enhancing the cellar's uniqueness.

The cellar's design is not just about aesthetics; it also serves a functional purpose. The feathered tiles are splayed using a triple curved parametric array, inspired by the majestic form of the peacock. The tiles are designed to hold each bottle and serve as the cellar's light source. At the base of each tile is a single small LED that lights the tile beneath the other, creating a soft and inviting ambiance.

Despite the challenges faced in the creation of the blue feathered glazing for the terra-cotta tiles, the design team persevered. The process was long and intensive, with each tile made as a hollow sculpture and glazed in blue twice. This project's success is a testament to the team's dedication and the artisans' skill, bringing a lost art form back to life.

The Peacock is more than just a wine cellar; it's a celebration of ancient craftsmanship and modern technology. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and the pursuit of excellence. It's a piece of art that tells a story of resilience, patience, and innovation. And most importantly, it's a reminder of the beauty that can be achieved when the past and the present come together.

The Peacock was awarded Platinum in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2022, a testament to its exceptional design and innovative approach. It's a design that pushes the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology, contributing to societal wellbeing and making the world a better place.