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ECAL × Cristallina
fortune grinder, mortar and pestle, object design, 2026
this project is inspired by ticino’s stone and food culture, as well as the symbolism of the traditional korean mortar. ticino, a southern region of switzerland, is where swiss and italian cultures meet. it has a traditional food culture of preparing sauces such as pesto by grinding basil, garlic, and nuts using a stone mortar and pestle. this process slowly releases the aroma and texture of the ingredients. the region is also well known for its long history of stone quarrying and stone architecture, where stone has been used as an essential material connecting nature and everyday life. in korea, the mortar is not only an everyday tool for grinding grains and medicinal ingredients, but also an object that symbolizes abundance, health, and good fortune. based on these cultural contexts, this project reinterprets the traditional mortar in a contemporary way. its form is inspired by the swiss alps, a symbol of switzerland, and it is designed as an object that embodies the meaning of good fortune even when not in use.
a bouquet symbolizes joy and comfort, while a salad bowl represents health and nourishment. by bringing these two ideas together, i created an object that combines emotion and wellness._+