"Nature, in its course."
Established in 2014, TEAWITH seeks to discern the genuine requisites of the inner self. By observing the nuanced connections between objects, we allow design to manifest organically and offer a quiet, enduring companionship to daily life.
The inaugural exploration into the aesthetics of utility is an electric vessel: the TEAWITH Kettle.
A Journey of Revelation
Design is, at its heart, a journey of discovery. To boil water is a simple, ordinary act, and the world is certainly not in need of just another kettle. Yet, our founder Zhuang Jingyang perceived a void: the absence of a truly beautiful kettle worthy of gracing a tea table. Raised by a stonemason and a tailor, his journey weaves together modern innovation with the profound Eastern philosophy that "objects carry the Way" (物以載道). Guided by an inherited spirit of craftsmanship, a bold thought took root: if the perfect vessel could not be found, it must be created.
In 2014, this vision resonated with designer Liu Fang. Her artistic path spanned from the esteemed Central Academy of Craft Art in China to the halls of Central Saint Martins in London. Nourished by three decades of both Eastern and Western cultural immersion and collaborations with master designers, their shared philosophy sparked an immediate connection. Together, they embarked on a mindful journey to reimagine contemporary Eastern aesthetics, beginning simply with a kettle.
Function Meets Landscape
"To design a kettle that is effortless to use, yet stands as a beautiful landscape upon the desk."
This was the quiet driving force behind our creation. It is a vision both simple and profoundly essential. The pursuit of "effortless use" pays homage to the functional purity of Bauhaus, while the desire to create a "landscape" captures the poetic essence of Eastern aesthetics, serving as the guiding soul of our vessel.
The Birth of the Crescent Arch
The form itself was inspired by a mindful observation. Over tea with an architect friend, a realization emerged: the uniform plane of cups and saucers on a tea table longed for a harmonious counterpoint — an "arch".
Thus, the TEAWITH Kettle’s signature crescent handle was born. Echoing the traditional structured handles of our heritage, its quiet, refined silhouette draws a graceful curve above the table. It marries Eastern grace with industrial minimalism. This inspired our unique "handle switch", a simple, seamless downward press on the arch initiates the boil. It transforms an unconscious action into a brand-new daily ritual, where flawless function and exquisite beauty converge.
Slow Design on a Global Stage
Though the intention was pure, the journey of realization was arduous. Started in October 2014, it took relentless refinement before the blueprint was finalized. After over thirty rejections from factories declaring the design "unrealistic," a dedicated workshop in Shandong was finally moved by its artistic spirit.
The creation of a single TEAWITH Kettle demands 97 meticulous processes. Each delay was born of an uncompromising pursuit of perfection—from testing the tactile grip of the handle and ensuring a 200-hour continuous boil, to crafting a safer double-layered body and spending half a year refining the delicate rim of the base. It was not until March 2017 that the final vessel transitioned from sketch to reality.
By allowing pure aesthetics to guide the process, an "outsider's" vision gracefully disrupted the industry. As a modern vessel, the TEAWITH Kettle harbors an Eastern Zen core within a framework of Bauhaus principles, a seamless union of art and technology. In a fleeting, fast-paced world, it gently invites you to pause.
With its flawless 20-centimeter pour, its precise 200-second boil, and its hushed resonance, the TEAWITH Kettle transcends its role as a mere appliance. It becomes a quiet companion, gracing every beautiful moment of your daily ritual.
In Hong Kong and Macau, the TEAWITH Kettle is exclusively represented by Plantation Teas.
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