Iron Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design · 2022
Etern Drinkware
by Zehui Ni
- A' Design Award 2022 Iron Winner in Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: ZN Design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 11,618
- Verification code 3DFF84F11E · Verify this award
About Etern Drinkware
Etern is a glass decanter designed for wine service at the dining table. The form of Etern is inspired by the cross-section of time, and the curved contour presents each moment as its own fragment of eternity. Glass is used for its transparent quality, which shows the colour of the wine and the light appearance of the vessel during decanting. As wine is poured, air passes through the liquid and aerates it. Etern is shaped by glass blowing, and a custom process was developed to match the design. The piece is intended as a calm statement for the table.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The Etern decanter is born from the perception of time. Appreciating each fragment of time as eternity from the cross-sections of time. Etern is a statement piece at the dining table about impermanence in time, cherishing each fragment and feasting on life. Both a celebration and remembrance of time, Etern is a one of kind elegance to add to the dining atmosphere.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 2700 mm x 1400 mm X 2600 mm
- Tags
- Decanter, Wine, Drinkware, Tableware
- Production Technology
- Etern is glassware for wine decanting. Glass material for its transparent properties in showing the beauty of wine and the airiness of form while decanting.
- Design Challenge
- Challenge with Etern is the philosophical and harmonious representations of time intersecting with glass blowing. A custom barrier and crust is created to match the design.
- Project Duration
- Project duration from May 2021 to Nov 2021, in Los Angeles, California, USA.
- Operation Flow
- As wine is poured into Etern, a delightful chorus of air breathing into wine sings a beautiful melody. Etern is about having a drink with the uncapturable time, but feasting on each special moment as its own eternity in time.
- Research
- On a macro perspective, the greatest moments of the planet and life's work, reside on one particle in the universe. Every moment is solidified in the cross-sections of time. Through harmonious elegance, Etern celebrates moments in time as eternity and gracefully performs the arts of decanting. Scholarly inspirations from philosophy, astronomy, and literature on impermanence have been researched for Etern. A graceful and celebrating combination of decanting.
- Inspiration
- Each flower that grows and withered away, is eternal in its own fragment of time. The Etern decanter is inspired by the fragment of time. It celebrates moments as an eternal fragment in life, inspiring people to feast and cherish moments of remembrance. The elegant contour of Etern is a statement piece that represents the cross-section of time and viewing each special moment as its own eternity. One eternal moment is forever.
Colors of Etern Drinkware
Design Interview about Etern Drinkware
The Etern decanter is inspired by the philosophy of time and impermanence. Each moment in life is fleeting, yet within its own fragment of time, it is eternal. The design reflects this concept through its form, which symbolizes the cross-section of time, encouraging people to cherish and celebrate every moment.
The focus was to create a drinkware piece that transforms the act of decanting into a poetic experience—one that engages the senses and elevates wine drinking into a moment of reflection and appreciation. I aimed to capture the relationship between time, elegance, and celebration through a sculptural, functional object.
The goal is to introduce Etern to a broader audience by partnering with dining and lifestyle brands. I also envision expanding the concept into a collection of drinkware pieces that explore similar themes of time and impermanence.
The project was developed over six months, from May 2021 to November 2021. This period involved research, conceptual development, prototyping, and refining the final design.
This was a self-initiated project born from an inspiration to merge philosophy with functional art. It was not commissioned but rather driven by a desire to create a product that embodies deep meaning and elegance in everyday rituals.
I am exploring opportunities for licensing the design to high-end glassware manufacturers and luxury brands that align with Etern's vision.
I have always been fascinated by how everyday objects can hold profound meaning. Drinkware, especially a decanter, is an object of ritual, and I saw an opportunity to infuse it with symbolism and artistry.
The work is influenced by traditional glassblowing techniques, as well as the sculptural elegance found in contemporary product design. Inspirations also stemmed from philosophy, particularly ideas of time in literature and astronomy.
The design is intended for individuals who appreciate craftsmanship, luxury, and the intersection of design and philosophy—such as fine dining enthusiasts, collectors of unique drinkware, and those who seek meaningful design in their everyday lives.
Unlike conventional decanters, Etern is not just about aeration—it is an artistic statement. The form is sculptural, the experience is immersive, and the concept of time and eternity makes it uniquely poetic compared to standard drinkware.
The name Etern is derived from "Eternity," reflecting the idea that every moment, though fleeting, is eternal in its own way. The design invites users to savor and celebrate each passing moment.
The name Etern is derived from "Eternity," reflecting the idea that every moment, though fleeting, is eternal in its own way. The design invites users to savor and celebrate each passing moment.
The way it captures the essence of time in a physical form is its most unique feature. The fluid yet structured shape symbolizes the cross-section of time, and the interaction with wine creates a dynamic experience of "breathing" life into the moment.
I collaborated with expert glassblowers to bring the concept to life. Their craftsmanship was essential in achieving the delicate balance between form and function.
Technology played a key role in precision modeling and testing airflow dynamics for optimal wine aeration. 3D visualization tools helped refine the organic form before moving into physical production.
Yes, I conducted research on fluid dynamics in decanting, as well as scholarly studies on the philosophy of time. This helped shape both the functional and conceptual aspects of the design.
The biggest challenge was translating the abstract concept of time into a tangible, functional object while maintaining elegance. Additionally, achieving the right balance in glassblowing to create the desired form required extensive experimentation.
I believed the Etern decanter aligned with the competition’s values of innovation, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Submitting it was an opportunity to share this vision with a global audience.
This project deepened my understanding of conceptual storytelling in product design. It reinforced the importance of patience in craftsmanship and the beauty of merging philosophy with function.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was seeing how people interacted with it—not just as a drinkware piece, but as a conversation starter about time, memory, and celebration.