Gold Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design · 2017
Turkish Coffe Cup Table Ware
by Gungor Guner
- A' Design Award 2017 Gold Winner in Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design
- Awarded April 15, 2017
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 30,020
- Verification code D7DF854875 · Verify this award
About Turkish Coffe Cup Table Ware
Turkish Coffe Cup is a porcelain coffee cup with a matching saucer. The form refers to Turkish cultural history: the geometric handle recalls the Seljuk period, the cloud motif recalls the Ottoman period, and the cylindrical body links both traditions. The shape was first made on a potter's wheel, then drawn on a computer. Production molds were made with a CNC lathe, and the pieces were cast in porcelain clay. The cup is 8 cm high and 6.5 cm wide. The saucer is 12.5 cm in diameter. The aim was to join the warmth of handwork with the precision of machine production.
Within the distinguished tradition of contemporary tableware design, this collection by Gungor Guner represents a thoughtful reinterpretation of ceremonial coffee service that honors cultural heritage while embracing modernist formal vocabulary. The designer appears to engage with the rich traditions of coffee culture, transforming the intimate ritual of serving and sharing this beloved beverage into an occasion for aesthetic contemplation. The distinctive horizontal handle configuration suggests careful ergonomic consideration, providing a secure grip while departing from conventional loop forms—a choice that positions the work within conversations about functional innovation in everyday objects. The scalloped detail adorning each handle introduces a subtle decorative element that softens the geometric rigor, perhaps evoking organic references or traditional ornamental motifs translated into contemporary visual language. The monochromatic palette of soft grey and cream demonstrates sophisticated chromatic restraint, allowing form and proportion to command attention while ensuring versatility across diverse table settings and interior environments. Material selection—fine glazed porcelain—honors centuries of ceramic tradition while the precision of execution reflects contemporary manufacturing capabilities. The presentation of four identical sets invites consideration of hospitality rituals, the gathering of companions, and the social dimensions of beverage service. This work successfully bridges utilitarian function and sculptural presence, suggesting that objects of daily use might simultaneously serve as vehicles for cultural expression and aesthetic pleasure. How might the act of serving and receiving from such vessels transform an ordinary moment into one of heightened awareness and connection?
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- From Potter's Wheel to the CNC Lathe:
The purpose of this study was to emphasize on the wide range of applications of this self-sufficient independent tool potter’s wheel and see how much and what kind of result CNC can contribute to the existing designs by actually using it. - Dimensions & Packaging
- plate Ø : 12.5cm
h: 2cm
cup total : 13cm
Ø: 6.5 cm
h: 8 cm - Tags
- From Potter’s Wheel to CNC Lathe
- Production Technology
- For must production:The design was drawn on the computer. Production molds produced with CNC.
The production was made with Casting by porcelain clay - Design Challenge
- And the primary purpose here is mass production. What we wanted to do was to combine the warmth of potter’s wheel and precision of CNC lathe into a mass production ware.
- Project Duration
- Lasted for 6 months
- Operation Flow
- I've done this coffee cup on the potter's wheel before.
Later, if I did the same form at the CNC, I wondered how it would look. - Research
- Each and every product made by using potter’s wheel is an unique even if you perform mass production! The traces of the artist’s hands stay with the product until the destroying of the object. CNC lathe, on the other hand, provides perfection and mechanical feeling to the product, which also gives an unique elegant look!
- Inspiration
- Mental is this cup form is actually a summary of Turkish cultural history! Geometric handle Seljuk period; Cloud motif Ottoman period; while the cylindrical form represents the element that carries both cultures today !
I had already done this cup form on the potter's wheel. My next aim was to witness how the form will look when the same form is made on the CNC Lathe
Also technical is this cup form also a visible result of the research work on "From the Potter's Wheel to the CNC Tool".
Colors of Turkish Coffe Cup Table Ware
Get Turkish Coffe Cup Table Ware
Grand Interview about Turkish Coffe Cup Table Ware
Currently, I am one of the oldest academic ceramicists in Turkey. I aim to make the spirit of the culture and geography I belong to be felt in my designs. Due to the responsibility of being a teacher, without denying the unique tradition of ceramics and our own traditions, I created functional or non functional two or three dimensional. I shared my experiences with my students by doing research and studies in every branch of ceramics, without being insensitive to the socio economic events and art movements that time brought before us. CNC interest was the last link among these.
Since our country does not have computer technology, our introduction to the possibilities of computers was quite delayed.In 2007, I attended a workshop organized by ISSEDD (International Ceramic Art Education and Exchange Association) in Korea. Here, especially in the Korean and Japanese tents, Pottery Looms and CNC machines were located opposite each other. Students were working on both of them and displaying their finished designs made on the CNC machine. At that moment I thought, when will we? My former student Mrs. Prof Zehra Cobanli is one of the founding members of ISSEDD and she is currently the representative of Turkey! When I returned home, I took a Rhino drawing lesson from an assistant who was my grandson's age. I easily corrected the parts I didn't like by drawing and three-dimensional scanning of my cup, which I had previously made at the potter's loom. I drew the plaster mold images required for mass production based on the model. The best part of this job was that the plaster molds were now made by CNC.
A separate plaster mold for the Trophy part of the cup, A separate plaster cast was made containing the cup plus cloud motif and handle. After casting the part of the cup, the second solid plaster mold was placed and the cloud motif and cup handle were cast. In this way, any indentations or protrusions inside the cup were prevented and the handle was prevented from sagging.As a result, it was experienced that both machines can be used for a good design.
If the problem is table ware design, I believe that ceramicists are more prone to this due to the flexibility of the materials they use. But a design like Rhino etc. I think it has been proven that if a drawing is shaved, it has a chance of becoming even better. All's well that ends well! (German Proverb)
As of 2008, I retired from MUGSF (Marmara University Faculty of Fine Arts) due to age limits. I was invited as a guest Prof. from ITU. (Istanbul Technical University) I accepted his offer because I knew there was a CNC machine there.Learning to draw Rhino was the hardest part. Then, the other difficult part was having to get help from Industrial Design Faculty assistant mechanical engineer Sinan Odekan, to upload the drawing data to the CNC. When I asked him to teach me the necessary procedure, he said, "My teacher said I would have to teach you for a hundred hours." This challenge continues
The most admirable part of this cup design is its handle, as it is very comfortable to hold. But I can say that the most critical point is the handle. Instead of relying on a single porcelain clay, production should be started after testing with a few porcelain clays and making sure that the handle does not sag. In fact, Stoneware mud is not only a safer mud, but also harmonizes very well with the design itself.
I believe my deep understanding and appreciation for ceramics come from my many years of experience as a ceramicist. Over the years, I've honed my skills, learned the intricacies of the craft, and developed a profound connection with the materials and techniques. This journey has not only shaped my artistic vision but also instilled in me a sense of patience, creativity, and dedication. Each piece I create is a testament to the countless hours spent perfecting my craft and the passion I have for this timeless art form.
h 10.3cm, D 6.2, plate D 12.5 cm Dimensions may vary slightly depending on the clay used.Turkish Coffee Cup is an integral part of our homes. I found those cups too small. Since they were small, their handles would also be very small. While trying to hold the handle, your little finger might get cramped. I first made my cup on the potter's loom. I corrected the errors I found on the computer. Based on the final version of the model, I made the drawings necessary to make the plaster molds required for the mass production of the cup using CNC. Those who use the cup like the balance of the handle and body very much.
It had a very positive impact, which is exactly what I aimed to achieve. The design embodies individuality while also reflecting a strong national identity. This balance between personal expression and national pride is what makes the design truly special and meaningful.
I will continue my design work, drawing inspiration from both individual creativity and national cultural heritage. By blending personal expression with the rich traditions of our culture, I aim to create designs that are unique, meaningful, and resonate with a wide audience. This approach allows me to honor our cultural roots while also pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity.