Interview about He He Lotus coffee cup, winner of the A' Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design Award 2022
Less is more minimalism meets Chinese purism. The striking combination of Chinese characters and the lotus flower design acts as a connecting element and has a special expressive power. Another feature is the raised thread that runs through the cup body. Together, these two design attributes give white a new look. Lotus petal-shaped coffee copper spoon, full of elegant temperament, the coffee base adopts the lotus pattern to illustrate the beauty of lotus flowers from different angles.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThank you for appreciating the He He Lotus Coffee Cup’s unique design approach. Our goal was to create a harmonious blend of Chinese purism and Western minimalism, focusing on simplicity and elegance. The design centers around the lotus motif, a symbol of purity and grace in Chinese culture, and emphasizes clean lines and understated beauty. The embossed lotus lines interwoven on the cup's surface not only evoke a sense of fluidity but also bring a tactile experience, inviting users to feel the design’s depth. By using raised lines and a lotus petal-shaped copper spoon, we integrated cultural richness into a minimalist form, allowing traditional symbolism to complement modern aesthetics without overwhelming it. This fusion enhances the overall sensory experience, as each element—cup, saucer, and spoon—serves both functional and symbolic roles, creating a refined coffee ritual that honors both Eastern beauty and Western simplicity.
The raised thread design on the He He Lotus Coffee Cup was inspired by the natural flow of lotus stems, symbolizing resilience and connection in Chinese culture. This tactile element invites users to trace their fingers along the delicate, embossed lines, creating a deeper sensory engagement. By adding texture, the design encourages a mindful, almost meditative interaction with the cup, enhancing the user's connection to both the piece and the cultural symbolism it embodies. This subtle detail transforms the simple act of drinking coffee into a graceful, immersive experience, aligning with the values of purity and elegance in Chinese aesthetics.
The lotus petal-shaped copper spoon was crafted as a natural extension of the He He Lotus Coffee Cup’s design, with meticulous attention to form and symbolism. Inspired by the elegance of lotus petals, we shaped the spoon to embody purity and refinement, matching the cup’s serene aesthetic. The choice of copper not only adds warmth and contrast to the minimalist white of the cup but also provides a pleasing weight, enhancing the tactile experience. This carefully considered element invites users to savor each moment, elevating the coffee ritual into a refined, culturally resonant experience that celebrates harmony and grace in every detail.
Studying the coffee habits of 20 people revealed that users seek both comfort and mindfulness in their daily coffee rituals. Many valued a cup that felt pleasant to hold and had a refined aesthetic to enhance their experience. These insights led us to incorporate the raised lotus lines on the cup for tactile engagement, fostering a mindful connection with each sip. Additionally, the lotus petal-shaped copper spoon was designed for ease and elegance, aligning with users' desire for thoughtful, beautiful accessories that enrich their routine. Ultimately, this research guided us toward a design that balances function with an elevated sensory experience.
Using Fujian white porcelain for the He He Lotus Coffee Cup was a deliberate choice to honor both the material’s delicate beauty and its historical significance in Chinese culture. Known for its translucency, strength, and smooth finish, this porcelain allowed us to create a cup that feels refined yet durable. Its purity aligns with the lotus symbolism of grace and elegance, enhancing the cup’s minimalist aesthetic. The manufacturing process was carefully tailored to highlight these qualities, with precise firing techniques to achieve the porcelain’s signature sheen, allowing the raised lotus lines to stand out subtly yet distinctly, embodying both tradition and contemporary design finesse.
The Chinese characters incorporated into the He He Lotus Coffee Cup design represent “和合” (He He), which translates to “harmony and unity.” This phrase embodies values central to Chinese philosophy, emphasizing balance, peace, and interconnectedness. By embedding these characters into the cup’s design, we aimed to create a visual narrative that aligns with the symbolism of the lotus—a flower revered for its purity and resilience. This integration reinforces the cup’s concept as a vessel of mindfulness and cultural richness, allowing each coffee ritual to become a moment of reflection on harmony and the beauty of simplicity.
The He He Lotus Coffee Cup was designed to foster a deeper emotional connection by transforming a daily coffee ritual into a mindful, culturally enriched experience. The tactile raised lotus lines, the elegant form of Fujian white porcelain, and the symbolic “和合” characters all invite users to engage thoughtfully with each element. These details encourage a slower, more intentional pace, allowing users to reflect on harmony and balance while savoring their coffee. By infusing the cup with cultural symbolism and sensory design, it becomes more than just a vessel—it becomes a bridge to a more meaningful, emotionally resonant ritual.
The multifaceted lotus pattern on the base of the He He Lotus Coffee Cup was inspired by the desire to showcase the lotus's beauty and symbolism from multiple perspectives, reflecting its deep cultural significance. By depicting the lotus from various angles, we aimed to capture its resilience and elegance, qualities that resonate across different facets of Chinese philosophy. This approach allows users to appreciate the lotus’s layered symbolism, whether looking directly at the base or experiencing its subtle influence through the cup’s overall design. It transforms the cup into a dynamic representation of purity and grace, enriching the visual and emotional depth of each use.
Winning the A' Design Award for the He He Lotus Coffee Cup highlights the potential of cultural fusion in product design, inspiring us to delve deeper into blending heritage with modern aesthetics. This recognition reinforces our commitment to honoring traditional craftsmanship and symbolism in ways that resonate globally. Moving forward, we envision creating designs that celebrate diverse cultural narratives through thoughtful material choices, symbolism, and sensory engagement. By continuing to merge Eastern and Western design philosophies, we aim to craft products that foster meaningful connections, allowing users worldwide to experience cultural richness in everyday rituals.
In designing the He He Lotus Coffee Cup, we carefully balanced practical utility with rich cultural symbolism to elevate it beyond a simple drinking vessel. The cup’s ergonomic shape and durable Fujian white porcelain ensure it’s both comfortable to hold and suitable for daily use. Simultaneously, the raised lotus lines and “和合” (He He) characters infuse each detail with symbolic meaning, transforming the act of drinking coffee into a mindful experience. This blend of functionality and cultural storytelling invites users to connect with values of harmony and purity, making each sip a moment of reflection and appreciation.
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