Soul Ketulo ya Tiyi by Peng Sun is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award in Mapangidwe a Zophikira, Zodyera, Makopo ndi Zophikira Competition Category.

BronzeZida za Kukhitchini· 2026

Soul Ketulo ya Tiyi

by Peng Sun

Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award Winner in Zida za Kukhitchini Category

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Colors

The Design

About Soul Ketulo ya Tiyi

Soul ndi ketulo ya tiyi yopangidwa ndi chitsulo chothiridwa (cast iron), yopangidwira kuwiritsa madzi ndi kuphika tiyi pa mitundu yosiyanasiyana ya magwero a moto. Mapangidwe ake anauziridwa ndi kakhalidwe komasuka ka chiboliboli cha wofotokoza nkhani woyimba ng'oma wa nthawi ya mafumu a Eastern Han, komwe kanapangidwanso kudzera mu luso lamakono. Soul imathiridwa ndi manja pogwiritsa ntchito njira yachikhalidwe ya ku China yotchedwa lost wax, ndipo imaphatikiza maonekedwe a trapezoid ndi ozungulira. Pamwamba pake pali mawanga ooneka ngati madontho a mkaka, ndipo kukutidwa ndi golide mkati ndi kunja kumathandiza kupewa dzimbiri. Chogwirira cham'mbali chopangidwa ndi mtengo wa rosewood chimachepetsa kutentha kofalikira, ndipo mlomo wake wopendekera umathandiza kuthira bwino popanda kutayikira.

The Recognition

About the Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award

Soul Ketulo ya Tiyi ndi mmodzi mwa opambana a Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award, kuzindikirika kolemekezeka kwambiri komwe kumaperekedwa kwa mapangidwe abwino kwambiri omwe amaonekera ndi luso lolenga, kuchenjera ndi nzeru zakuthwa. Opambana a Bronze ndi zinthu zaluso kwambiri ndi zolenga modabwitsa zomwe zimatsimikizira zochitika zazikulu, kulingalira ndi kuchenjera kwa opanga awo. Soul Ketulo ya Tiyi akuyembekezeka kukhala chinthu choyamikiridwa, chosirira ndi chokondedwa, chaukatswiri wapadera ndi chatsopano. Mapangidwe opambana Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award awa amaphatikiza machitidwe abwino kwambiri a luso, sayansi, kapangidwe ndi ukadaulo ndipo ndi abwino kwambiri chifukwa cha kusamala kwawo zazing'ono. Soul Ketulo ya Tiyi amakwaniritsa zosowa mokongola, kukhudza zilakolako, kukopa mitima ndi kudzutsa chidwi.

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