Even after countless experiments, opening the kiln brings the same excitement and nervous anticipation as our very first time. This installation invites you to physically share that feeling: every turn of the capsule machine symbolises a kiln opening.
This project is an exercise in “urban alchemy”. Inheriting the ancient, closed-loop wisdom of using cooking ash for glaze, we transform discarded city waste into everyday wares, rigorously testing the feasibility of local waste streams as raw glaze materials. Incense ash generated from temple rituals, rather than burning into nothingness, is reformulated into glazes with a distinctly Hong Kong identity—allowing vanished materials to return in new forms.
We house this journey within an “Urban glaze gacha”, turning our findings into charming capsule accessories. The clatter of empty shells falling through the pipe echoes our research’s broader societal resonance, raising awareness for sustainable design. Blending entertainment with research into a new lifestyle, we embrace unpredictable outcomes and continue to experiment with anticipation.
Hong Kong Glaze Research Lab aims to inspire new thinking in ceramic creation, utilising urban waste to redefine the industry and offer sustainable alternatives. As a city lacking natural resources, Hong Kong relies heavily on imported raw materials across all sectors—a pattern that has cultivated a habit of overlooking the potential of local waste. Viewing the city through a different lens: could the material waste generated daily in Hong Kong be understood as an alternative raw material? When glaze formulations are thoughtfully combined with local waste streams, ceramic production becomes more accessible, driving the industry’s sustainable development. The project’s ultimate goal is to build an open platform that empowers creators to utilise local waste to craft objects that are both functional and beautiful.
11:00–15:00 (20/11)
11:00–20:00 (21–29/11)
11:00–15:00 (20/11)
11:00–20:00 (21–29/11)