Gladiator: A Unique Napkin Holder with a Warrior's Soul

A Decorative Accessory for Your Dinner Table

Inspired by the strength and resilience of warriors, Elkan Nuri has created Gladiator, a napkin holder that combines functionality with a touch of medieval honor.

Elkan Nuri, the renowned designer behind Gladiator, drew inspiration from his personal experiences of facing adversity. Instead of succumbing to cruelty, he chose to fight back, just like a fighter from the Middle Ages. The napkin holder represents the blend of flamboyant warrior masks and the strength gained through overcoming challenges.

What sets Gladiator apart from other napkin holders is its unique imperfections. The product's soul is reflected in these imperfections, making it stand out on your dinner table. By incorporating Gladiator into your table setting, you can add a touch of honor and elegance to your dining experience.

The realization of Gladiator involves sheet metal laser cutting and handmade bending. Crafted from 1.5 mm copper sheet metal, the napkin holder showcases the designer's attention to detail and craftsmanship.

With dimensions of 38mm in width, 120mm in depth, and 95mm in height, Gladiator perfectly accommodates your napkins while adding a decorative element to your table.

Gladiator's interaction with the napkin is reminiscent of a warrior in the battlefield. The product and the napkin complement each other, symbolizing the cleaning of the battlefield after a battle. Just as a warrior takes pride in their accomplishments, Gladiator ensures your napkins stay aligned and steady on the table.

The design process for Gladiator began in February 2016 and was completed in July 2016, both in Ankara. Elkan Nuri conducted extensive research to understand the preferences of users who value healthy and natural materials on their dinner tables. The imperfections in Gladiator, resulting from its handmade production, add sincerity and appeal to the product.

Overcoming creative and technical challenges, Elkan Nuri successfully created Gladiator with limited cuts and details. The narrow design allows for easy placement of the napkin with a single move, enhancing the user experience.

Gladiator's unique form and functionality make it a standout piece on any dinner table. The slightly unfolded napkin rests on the Gladiator's head, resembling a crown. The front section of the napkin holder keeps the napkin aligned, while the base section prevents contact with the table surface. A small protrusion on the rear section ensures the napkin stays in place, even when carrying or when the napkins are reduced.

Gladiator has received recognition for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware, and Cookware Design category in 2017. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life.

Gladiator, with its warrior spirit and unique design, is a testament to Elkan Nuri's artistic vision and craftsmanship. Incorporate this decorative napkin holder into your dining experience and let it add a touch of honor and elegance to your table setting.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Elkan Nuri
Image Credits: By Murat Corakbas
Project Team Members: Elkan Nuri
Project Name: Gladiator
Project Client: Elkan Nuri


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