Silent Machine

A tea set, Silent Machine was given its function based on aesthetic interpretations of much functionalized forms. While each object is individually seen as an aesthetic ornament, its beauty can be recognized when it functions as one of the elements composing the whole. Mathematical silhouettes and details evoke mechanical and rigid images.



The story dates back to the Machine Age. Machines in that period kept running in the fast lane and led to a new world overwhelmed with ambitions and wishes towards innovation. Having been created through mathematical sophistication and geographically defined forms designed for functionality and efficiency, machines at that time contributed to a fertile ground for revolutionary movements in modern design and created new concepts of beauty. Nevertheless, in the course of time, machines became relics of the Industrial Age.

They are still with us transforming themselves into more intelligent tools through evolving technology, but the glorious moments enjoyed by their existence in the fast lane are fading into the mists of history now covered with rust. No longer alive, no longer remarkable but the Machine-age machines have stories that make them more beautiful than they were. The stories remain in their times and evoke encompassing, though silent beauty. A tea time with them will deepen its value by their hidden stories and strength.  (Photograph by Eunjae Lee. 2012)