Concept
«Karmashek» is a design project featuring a handcrafted ceramic mug with a dedicated compartment for used tea bags. The idea arose from a common daily scenario: after brewing tea, there isn’t always a convenient place to neatly set down the used bag.
The visual character of the piece is defined by the plasticity of handmade ceramics—soft asymmetry, an uneven silhouette, undulating lines, and expressive decoration. «Karmashek» reimagines the familiar mug through a simple concept: every object deserves its designated space—even a used tea bag.
The project proposes merging two functions into a single object. An open pocket is integrated into the mug’s exterior wall, designed for the temporary placement of the tea bag.
The Problem
Tea time is a familiar part of daily life: we drink tea at home, at school, and at work—often right at the desk. After brewing, the used tea bag needs to go somewhere. A saucer is not always nearby, and a napkin quickly gets damp, potentially staining the table. This is a small, yet regular, household issue that disrupts the comfortable and customary ritual of tea drinking.
Brewed tea → Remove bag → Nowhere to place the bag
The primary target audience for this project is individuals who regularly brew bagged tea at home, at work, or while studying.
Sketch
Production Stages
1. Hand-molding from light stoneware clay body
2. Drying
3. Bisque firing at 1000 °C
4. Coating with transparent food-safe glaze via dipping
5. Drying
6. Glaze firing at 1150 °C
7. Overglaze painting with food-grade pigments
8. Final low-fire firing to set the pigments
Visualizations
Mockup Design
