Plycelain Étkészlet Kollekció

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Plycelain -a term coined by the designer combining plywood and porcelain- is a collection of multilayered slip casting drinkware. The designer creates a contemporary version of blue and white ware through applying slip casting, the mass-production technique of ceramics. By adapting the process of slip casting, layers form, and subtle blue lines are exposed on the cut surfaces, which emphasize the beautiful relationship between assembled parts.

Dimensions & Packaging

Cup : 114 x 89 x 70 (mm)
Big Saucer : 133 x 133 x 13 (mm)
Bowl : 114 x 114 x 60 (mm)
Espresso Cup : 70 x 93 x 53 (mm)
Small Saucer : 114 x 114 x 13 (mm)

Tags

Tableware, Porcelain, Slipcasting,

Production Technology

Slipcasting, Porcelain

Design Challenge

The challenge was each layer of the pieces requires precision and good timing to form a proper thickness during slip casting. Also, the assembling and fettling works before bisque firing are crucial.

Research

Blue-and-white ware was the most classic and influential type of Chinese porcelain before industrialization. After the invention of mass production techniques, porcelain ware can be slipcasted, and embellishments can be applied by transfer-printing. The manufacturing process is about large quantities of standardized products and unconcerned with the aesthetics of craftsmanship. The designer asked herself: how to utilize mass production techniques while keeping the genuineness of the craftsmanship spirit and create a new version of blue-and-white?

The designer tries to find the balance between tradition and modernity by transforming mass production techniques- slipcasting. She started with the idea of creating a pattern without actually painting on the clay like the traditional way. Gradually, the concept of patterning by layering casting formed.

Unlike traditional decorative blue-and-white, which embellishments are glazed on the outer surface, the patterns on Plycelain are composed of the cross-section of each functional component, such as mugs’ handles and saucers’ feet. The delicate blue lines are embedded internally during the process of slipcasting and become visible where the pieces are trimmed into shape during assembly. The subtle lines bring out the beautiful relationship between assembled parts and make this collection a unique tableware design.

Inspiration

The modern update of the blue-and-white porcelain is not only regarding the appearance but also about the manufacturing process. After the invention of mass production techniques, porcelain-ware can be slipcasted, and embellishments can be applied by transfer-printing. The designer tries to find the balance between tradition and modernity by utilizing mass production techniques while keeping the genuineness of the craftsmanship spirit.

Project Duration

The project started in December 2017 in Chicago and finished in 2018.

Operation Flow

Plycelain is a tableware collection, including a cup set (with big saucer), an espresso cup set (with small saucer), and a Bowl. The design of Plycelain tableware collection is understated and humble, yet with a second look, the meticulous and innovative craftsmanship is not quiet at all.

Patents

Copyrights belong to Yuting Chang, 2021. All rights reserved.

Image Credits

Image #1: Photographer Yuting Chang, Plycelain, 2019.
Image #2: Photographer Yuting Chang, Plycelain, 2019.
Image #3: Photographer Yuting Chang, Plycelain, 2019.
Image #4: Photographer Yuting Chang, Plycelain, 2019.
Image #5: Photographer Yuting Chang, Plycelain, 2019.