Soul Theeketel by Peng Sun is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award in Brons in Bakgerei, Serviesgoed, Drinkgerei en Kookgerei Ontwerp Competition Category.

BronsKeukengerei· 2026

Soul Theeketel

by Peng Sun

A' Design Award in Brons Winner in Keukengerei Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #182960

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Soul Theeketel

Soul is een gietijzeren theeketel gemaakt voor het koken van water en het zetten van thee op verschillende soorten warmtebronnen. De vorm is geïnspireerd op de ontspannen houding van een trommelend vertellersbeeldje uit de Oostelijke Han-dynastie, gereconstrueerd door hedendaagse kunst. Soul wordt met de hand gegoten volgens de traditionele Chinese verloren-wasmethode en verbindt trapeziumvormige en ronde vormen. Het oppervlak is voorzien van melkvlekpatronen, en de vergulding aan binnen- en buitenzijde verbetert de corrosiebestendigheid. Een zijhandvat van rozenhout vermindert de warmteoverdracht, en de schuine schenktuit zorgt voor een zuivere schenkstraal.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Brons

Soul Theeketel is winnaar van de A' Design Award in Brons, een hoogst prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan uitstekende ontwerpen die zich onderscheiden door creativiteit, vindingrijkheid en scherpzinnigheid. Winnaars in Brons zijn ruimschoots vaardige en opvallend creatieve artefacten die de grote ervaring, verbeelding en het vernuft van hun ontwerpers bevestigen. Soul Theeketel wordt verwacht een hooggewaardeerd, bewonderd en gekoesterd object te zijn dat opmerkelijk professioneel en innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in Brons heeft gewonnen, verwerkt de beste praktijken in kunst, wetenschap, ontwerp en technologie en is uitstekend door zijn aandacht voor detail. Soul Theeketel bevredigt schitterend behoeften, raakt verlangens, charmeert gevoelens en spreekt de nieuwsgierigheid aan.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Lingpo is an iron tea kettle hand cast using the traditional Chinese lostwax method. Its shape is inspired by the relaxed poise of the Han dynasty drumming storyteller, reimagined through contemporary art. The surface is decorated with milk spot patterns and finished with gold plating. It embraces an open design philosophy, accepting all viewer interpretations and presenting a unique dialogue between contemporary and classical aesthetics.
Dimensions & Packaging: 183 mm x 91 mm x 88 mm
Tags: Lost Wax Casting, Cast Iron Potware, Tea Brewing, Water Boiling, Contemporary Art Piece, Gold Plating For Rust Prevention
Production Technology: Hand cast via lost wax, integrating trapezoidal and circular design languages. The process includes hand drawn modelling, wax model making, casting, grinding and finishing, high temperature oxidation, and both internal/external gold plating. The result is a structurally complex, agile form with exquisite texture, combining utility and artistic value, showcasing the unique spirit of handmade iron kettles and contemporary sensibility.
Design Challenge: The greatest design challenge was the seamless integration of the body, spout, lid, and side handle lines, meeting contemporary artistic aesthetics while sparking infinite imagination, balancing beauty with smooth pouring and ease of use. The most difficult aspect lies in the traditional lost wax casting process, highly intricate and demanding. Coordinating high temperature nitriding with gold plating adds further complexity.
Research: For a long time, iron kettles were constrained by traditional aesthetics and functional demands, mostly adopting stable forms like flat round or square. Lingpo, rooted in the lost wax method, integrates contemporary art concepts to shatter these structural limits and reshape possibilities. The internal and external gold plating not only enhances corrosion resistance but also softens the water and improves mouthfeel.
Inspiration: The morphology of Lingpo, or Spiritual Form, derives from the famous Eastern Han Dynasty drumming storyteller figurine.Its relaxed posture has been artistically reconstructed, evoking multiple images, Chaplin, a gentleman, Pinocchio, without imposing a single interpretation. Instead, it invites viewers to project their own experiences. This open design concept endows the object with stronger visual intrigue and imaginative space.
Project Duration: The project commenced in Beijing in March 2025, with the initial design finalized in April 2025. The final piece was produced in October 2025 and exhibited at the Songzhuang Grand Canal Art Season in Beijing later that month.
Operation Flow: Lingpo can be used for boiling water and brewing tea, compatible with multiple heat sources. The side rosewood handle offers excellent heat insulation and follows the natural inward rotation of the wrist when pouring. The spout and lid feature consistently angled, inward cut geometry. Water flows smoothly along the spout, minimizing dripping, with a clean cut off. The inner rim of the lid is extended so that even when the kettle is fully tilted, the lid remains securely in place.
Team Members: Peng Sun
Image Credits: Peng Sun