25 artists reinterpret the teapot for the fashion house’s ninth Salone del Mobile show
Loewe is set to present its latest installation at Milan’s Salone del Mobile design week with a new project featuring 25 artist-designed teapots. The collection, which will be on view from April 5 through 13 at Palazzo Citterio, marks the Spanish fashion house’s ninth appearance at the design fair.
This year’s installation comes as Loewe prepares to transition to new creative leadership under Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler. The project references the German saying “wait and drink tea,” using the teapot as a base object for reinterpretation by a wide range of international artists, designers, and architects.
Contributors to the exhibition include Patricia Urquiola and Laia Arqueros of Spain; David Chipperfield, Rose Wylie, Sam Bakewell, and Edmund de Waal from the UK; Rosemarie Trockel from Germany; and Italy’s Tommaso Corvi-Mora. Artists from the United States include Dan McCarthy and Walter Price. Additional participants include Lebanon’s Simone Fattal and Madoda Fani of South Africa.
Several artists from East Asia have contributed to the project as well. From China, Wang Shu, Lu Bin, Chen Min, and Deng Xiping; from South Korea, Minsuk Cho, Inchin Lee, and Jane Yang-D’Haene; and from Japan, Naoto Fukasawa, Masaomi Yasunaga, Shozo Michikawa, Akio Niisato, Takayuki Sakiyama, and the ceramic studio Suna Fujita.
The artists explored traditional materials such as porcelain and ceramic, using them to reimagine standard features of the teapot like the spout and handle. Variations in proportion, scale, glaze, and texture reflect a broad spectrum of approaches. Notable works include Akio Niisato’s perforated translucent piece, Naoto Fukasawa’s teapot decorated with 3D floral elements, Patricia Urquiola’s abstract pink form, and Rosemarie Trockel’s minimal design. Corvi-Mora produced a colorful version inspired by totem structures.
Some pieces were made with Spanish artisans using Galician clay, the same material used in the ceramic tiles for Casa Loewe store facades. The presentation includes related objects produced by Loewe, such as leather coasters, tea cosies, and charms in the shapes of tea bags, fruits, and flowers.
The installation also features tin-plated tea caddies made in partnership with Japanese company Kaikado, decorated with brass and leather animals and botanicals. An Earl Grey-scented candle in a painted terracotta vessel and a custom tea blend called “Fiori e Sapori,” developed with Postcard Teas, round out the offering. The tea will be available through Postcard Teas’ London shop and website beginning Monday.
The project follows Loewe’s ongoing efforts to focus on craftsmanship and design. Its recent exhibition “Crafted World,” first shown in Shanghai, is currently on display in Japan and highlights the brand’s 179-year history.
