Grateful For Favors Received

Water Utensils Inspired by Nature

Wang Nina and Yang Yuwei have created a unique and visually stunning design called "Grateful For Favors Received." Inspired by the essential element of water in our lives, this design combines the beauty of ceramic and Liuli to create water utensils that are both functional and artistic.

By incorporating the traditional ancient Liuli material with ceramic, the designers have not only enhanced the visual aesthetic but also added diverse functionality to the water utensils. These utensils can serve as fish tanks, lighting fixtures, vases, and more. The combination of materials and functionality aims to remind people of the omnipresence of water in our daily lives and the importance of cherishing water resources.

The production process involves firing the ceramics in a gas furnace at 1280 degrees Celsius and molding them using slip casting. The ceramics are then decorated with colored glaze. The traditional ancient Liuli is crafted through manual mold-making, dewaxing, and multiple firing processes. Blown glass is produced by free-spin blowing, resulting in unique and visually captivating pieces.

The "Grateful For Favors Received" water utensils measure 900 x 500 x 1000 mm overall, showcasing their impressive size and presence.

Wang Nina and Yang Yuwei began working on this design in January 2015. The ceramics were made in Jingdezhen, China, while the Liuli was produced in Zibo, Shandong province. The project was completed in June 2015 and exhibited at the Asian Modern Ceramic Exhibition in Japan in August 2017.

The combination of ceramic and Liuli in this design is not only visually appealing but also carries cultural and historical significance. Liuli, known as one of the seven treasures in Buddhism, has a long history similar to ceramics. The unique visual effects of Liuli vary in different environments, with its burned color displaying free and distinctive hues. The combination of these two materials aims to make cultural history and modern art more vibrant under the theme of "water."

The production process presented several challenges, particularly in imitating the natural shape of water and controlling the firing process to prevent damage. The color matching of the glass was also a difficult task, as it required a one-time firing with potential uncertainties in color flow. The designers conducted numerous experiments to achieve the current design, ensuring a natural and harmonious combination of ceramic and Liuli.

With the "Grateful For Favors Received" water utensils, Wang Nina and Yang Yuwei have created a design that not only captivates the eye but also conveys a message of appreciating and cherishing water resources. The combination of functionality and artistic expression serves as a reminder of the importance of water in our lives.

This exceptional design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2018. The award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity and ingenuity, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The "Grateful For Favors Received" water utensils exemplify strong technical and creative skills, contributing to the improvement of quality of life and making the world a better place.