Image Credit : Photographer: Meagan Harding
Project Overview
Honouring the artefacts and ceremonies of the imperial Ming Dynasty, MAHŌ Sensory Candles blend artistic influence with ancient design. Igniting an all-encompassing journey across the five senses, MAHŌ celebrates modern uniquity and Australian design with a collection of four traditional Gaiwan vessels reimagined by established Melbourne-based artists. Inspired scents paired with exquisite detail repurposes every capsule into a collectible statement piece to be reimagined once burning is complete.
Distinct in their shape and story, each MAHŌ Sensory Candle has been curated as a reflection of the artists’ unique voice and style. A physical representation of a time and place gone by Surreal Flower, Evergreen, Kawaii Kids, and Happy Hour spark a luxurious escape through scent and design.
MAHŌ - one of a kind candles designed and made in Melbourne. Bring a Little Magic to life.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Brand & Strategy: Michael Tan
Creative Lead of Design: Miranty Annisareta
Studio Account Manager: Lan Lan
Artists-in-collaboration: Nani Puspasari
Artists-in-collaboration: Lukas Kasper
Artists-in-collaboration: Tim Stana
Photographer: Meagan Harding
Project Brief
Symbolising a light in the dark and guide to illuminating the spirit, the act of burning candles embodies a sense of healing, purification, and ritualistic cleanse. Designed to reset and immerse the holder in an all-encompassing moment, MAHŌ Sensory Candles come to life when lit. Believing in the power of engaging all five senses, MAHŌ Gaiwans unlock the mind and open the door to an unforgettable escape.
Curious in their story and design, each MAHŌ Gaiwan Candle embodies a time and place curated by a Melbourne-based artist. Unique in their background and style, each collectible piece reveals a memory, a place, a moment in time captured by the creator. A personal journey revealed through burning, each candle unveils a sensory getaway with each discovered note.
Project Innovation/Need
Brewing sensual aromas of green, white, and oolong tea, the Ming Dynasty Gaiwan is delicate yet functional in its structure and design. The vessel’s fine porcelain absorbs heat to minimise leaf damage while the concave lid acts as a small cup. To be drunk directly from the instrument or poured into another container, the Gaiwan is elegant, unchanged, and considered the official Imperial ceremony tea decanter.
Rich in their heritage and intricate, intentional form, MAHŌ Sensory Candles--a match in purposeful, modern artistry--have re-envisioned the Gaiwan in collaboration with Melbourne-based artists to honour the simplicity of fragrance meets design.
Reflective of the ancient practice of savouring steeped tea leaves from the concave Gaiwan lid, please enjoy the fragrance of each MAHŌ Sensory Candle before igniting the aromas. Each vessel has been designed to be repurposed as a collectible statement piece or part of a modern teaware collection once burning is complete.
Design Challenge
The Gaiwan bowl went through a lot of changes during the prototyping phase to make sure that it embodies the look & feel that the studio is trying to achieve.
It is also a challenge that the Gaiwan manufacturer/supplier is a China-based company, while the team is based in Melbourne, Australia. Communication is crucial to ensure that the production went smoothly and to ensure the quality of the finished products.
Sustainability
The MAHŌ Gaiwan is not only a candle vessel, but it is also an art piece on its own. Each vessel has been designed to be repurposed as a collectible statement piece or part of a modern teaware collection once burning is complete.
Product Design - Homewares
This award celebrates creative and innovative design for either a component or overall product. Consideration given to aspects that relate to human usage, aesthetics, selection of components and materials, and the resolution of assembly, manufacturing and the overall function.
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