Acacia: A Honey Dipper with a Twist

Miriam Mirri's Award-Winning Design Inspired by Nature and Mathematics

The inspiration for Acacia came from the natural world, specifically the honey production process and the essential role of bees in our ecosystem. Mirri was also influenced by architectural and natural science studies on the construction of spherical surfaces. The design was further shaped by the common uses of honey, such as sweetening hot drinks or as a remedy for a sore throat.

Acacia stands out for its unique properties. The design features a beehive with two star-shaped flowers at each end, all resting on a cone-shaped stem. This creates a lightweight, steel object with a hollow interior, perfect for picking up the desired amount of honey from the jar and mixing it into a drink. The small dimensions of the sphere and the material used make it possible to also use Acacia as a spoon.

The honey dipper is produced using microcasting technology of steel 18/10. It consists of a sphere formed by a honeycomb structure attached to a dipper, making it easy to serve and spread honey. The process of production is completed with a mirror-polished finish.

The project started in April 2012 in Milano and was completed in April 2014 between Milano and Crusinallo. It was presented at Maison&Objet, Paris and Homi, Milan in Autumn 2014. The design process involved extensive research into geometric and natural forms, aesthetic values, and production quality. The final design is a lightweight cage built like a beehive to contain honey, joined with a conical stem.

Acacia has been recognized with the prestigious Golden A' Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware, and Cookware Design Award in 2016. This award is granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.