Horse – Design Trust Futures Studio

Horse

Eco-Tang Sancai Warrior

Designer-mentee: Jacqueline Chak
Collective Master-mentors: Kan Tai-keung, Anthony Lo
Lead Curator: Marisa Yiu

L 25 x W 12 x H 25 cm
Upcycled glass, upcycled plastic, wood base

Sancai is a versatile type of decoration on Chinese pottery using glazes, predominantly made by mixing copper, iron, and cobalt to create a lively spectrum of blues, greens, ambers, and yellows over a milky white background. It is particularly associated with the Tang Dynasty (618–907).  The Tang Dynasty three-color glazed pottery is the treasure of ancient Chinese ceramic firing techniques. It is a kind of low-temperature glazed pottery popular in the Tang Dynasty. It is commonly referred to as Chinese Tang Sancai.

The “Eco-Tang Sancai Warrior” pays tribute and homage to the Sancai glaze from Tang dynasty. Adapting the technique from firing glaze, heating up shredded plastic in order to test, experiment and create a new contemporary version of “sancai glaze” with upcycled materials that contributes to sustainability. Through re-creating the new glaze, it creates dialogues and discussion to raise the awareness of environmental issues. Tang Sancai is a treasure that has been passed on from hundreds of years ago influencing millions thereafter. This work takes reference from the heritage, incorporating modern methodology, hoping to inspire and carry forward dialogues for the next generations. The one leg raised gesture represents a symbol of respect and our tribute to the Tang Sancai horse.

The designer was inspired by Kan Tai-keung’s Horse precedent for Project Twelve. The body of the horse is created with upcycled glass, the idea is to keep the actual form and “colour” of the horse as abstract and “transparent” as possible, keeping the focus on the saddle which is made out of 100% upcycled plastic. The semi-transparent glass of the horse will be see through and blends in to the surrounding environment, highlighting the focal point of the upcycled saddle. Plastic and glass bottles are collected from the community to create this piece of artwork, symbolises the empowerment and gathering of community force to tackle global sustainability issues.

Design Process

 

Adapting the technique from firing glaze, heating up shredded plastic in order to test, experiment and create a new contemporary version of “sancai glaze” with upcycled materials that contributes to sustainability. Through re-creating the new glaze it creates dialogues and discussion to raise the awareness of global climate issues. Tang Sancai is a treasure that has been passed on from hundreds of years ago influencing millions thereafter.

The body of the horse is created with upcycled glass, the idea is to keep the actual form and “colour” of the horse as abstract and "transparent" as possible, keeping the focus on the saddle which is made out of 100% upcycled plastic. The translucent glass of the horse will be see through and blends in to the surrounding environment, highlighting the focal point of the upcycled saddle. Plastic and glass bottles are collected from the community to create this piece of artwork, symbolises the empowerment and gathering of community force to tackle global sustainability issues.

Project Twelve

 

eHorse by Kan Tai-keung (2014)

Being nurtured in the era of East meets West; the clash of ancient and contemporary art; and cultivated an ever changing mindset to pursue innovation and creativity, Kan Tai-keung was inspired to name the horse sculpture for Project Twelve “eHorse”. “Yi” (same pronunciation as “e”) means changes in i-ching, the Chinese classic book of changes. “E” also symbolizes the current computer era.