Yuting Chang turns blue
Taiwanese designer Yuting Chang has created a ceramics collection that wears its traditional blue adornments not on the outside, but layered internally.
The delicate linework, which decorates the otherwise minimal, matte cream tableware, is built up by slip casting porcelain in alternating colours within a mould to create up to 29 layers in one piece.
These become visible where the pieces are trimmed into shape during assembly, revealing a cross section of the layered interior.
In this way, the pattern surfaces only on the very edges of each piece – in the rim of the mug and its saucer, or the handle of the bowl and espresso cup.
In ceramics, slip casting is most commonly used to create the basic shape of a piece, while embellishments are added later with glaze. But this method allows Chang to embed the geometric profile into the very fabric of the tableware.
The collection is called Plycelain in reference to this internally stratified structure, which resembles that of plywood.
"Each layer requires precision and good timing to get right," she told Dezeen. "When liquid slip is poured into a plaster mould, the plaster begins to absorb the liquid and form a layer of the cast on the inside walls."
"The thickness of the cast depends on how long you leave it to form, so I had to carefully measure the time it takes to create the desired thickness."
While the main body of each item is cast in a mould as one piece, the handles of the bowls and cups, as well as the feet of the saucers are cut from slip-cast slabs.
The different elements are then assembled together by hand, introducing a craft technique to what is otherwise a mass production process.
"Blue-and-white ware is the most classical and influential type of Chinese porcelain but these days it is largely slip-cast, with the decorative motifs applied by transfer-printing," she explained.
"I wanted to utilise this mass production technique, meant to create large quantities of standardised products, while keeping the authenticity and individuality of the craftsmanship spirit."
Elsewhere, designers have made slip casting their own by using mismatched, discarded moulds from Chinese mass production facilities and reimagining the seams created in the process as decorative elements.
Our most popular newsletter, formerly known as Dezeen Weekly. Sent every Thursday and featuring a selection of the best reader comments and most talked-about stories. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen’s services and breaking news.
Sent every Tuesday and containing a selection of the most important news highlights. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen’s services and breaking news.
A daily newsletter containing the latest stories from Dezeen.
Daily updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news.
Weekly updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news.
News about our Dezeen Awards programme, including entry deadlines and announcements. Plus occasional updates.
News from Dezeen Events Guide, a listings guide covering the leading design-related events taking place around the world. Plus occasional updates.
News about our Dezeen Awards China programme, including entry deadlines and announcements. Plus occasional updates.
We will only use your email address to send you the newsletters you have requested. We will never give your details to anyone else without your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every email, or by emailing us at [email protected].
For more details, please see our privacy notice.
You will shortly receive a welcome email so please check your inbox.
You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of every newsletter.
Twin porcelain-clad skyscrapers by Selldorf Architects rise ...
Ryno releases porcelain paving designed to combine style and ...
Roc Ancien porcelain tiles by Fiandre Architectural Surfaces
Ikon tiles by Ceramiche Keope
Stella tableware by Sieger for Fürstenberg
Le Monde de Charlotte Perriand tableware for Cassina and ...
Amazonia Tile Collection by ZYX
Foil tile collection by Ceramiche Refin interprets the ...
Visit our comments page | Read ourcomments policy
Dezeen DebateDezeen AgendaDezeen DailyNew! Dezeen In DepthDezeen JobsDezeen Jobs WeeklyDezeen AwardsDezeen Events GuideDezeen Awards China