‘Silent Machine’: An elegant tea service setting by Eunjae Lee

'Silent Machine': An elegant tea service setting by Eunjae Lee

'Silent Machine': An elegant tea service setting by Eunjae Lee

'Silent Machine': An elegant tea service setting by Eunjae Lee

The history of the tea set dates back to the Han Dynasty, we’re talking 200 B.C. These age old vessels, traditionally made from porcelain, have taken every conceivable shape over the last 2200 years. This version of the tea service set by Eunjae Lee though is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen before.

A tea service set, Silent Machine, is composed by functional products reflecting aesthetic interpretations on function-focused forms. Every single object can be identified when it is utilized as a part of the whole. Mathematically formulated silhouettes and details contribute to creating an image of mechanical regularity rather than being emphasized on their ornamentation.

I love that these vessels are so… cylindrical. I know, obvious. But it feels like each element is the same circle that’s been extruded with varying diameters and circumferences, giving each piece their own distinct purpose. The dark grey color and the rough, matte texture of the tea set is my favorite, it’s the opposite of what a traditional tea service is. The simple, minimal shapes of each vessel are beautiful and understated, allowing the tea to be the focus. Hopefully Eunjae finds a way to put these into production so many people can enjoy them.

Bobby Solomon

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August 9, 2012 - See more posts by Bobby