For Atelier Swarovski, a luxury crystal brand, Japanese design studio nendo has designed a collection of crystal trays called soft pond.
To convey the perception of depth with a range of tones, a mix of crystal density was utilized.
“A unique quality of flat-cut crystals, used for chandeliers and dresses, is that the thicker the material is, the more saturated its color gets,” explained nendo. “The same phenomenon appears in large bodies of water – the deeper the lake is, the darker its color.”
The trays are created by gradually increasing the thickness of the crystals from top-down. To create a gradient effect, the trays are tapered, making it thinner towards the outer periphery.
“The result is a small vessel that resembles a small pond scooped up and placed on the table,” said nendo.
For the incline on the upper surface, a technique of acid pickling was used, where the desired proportions are controlled by gradually enlarging the pool of acid.
“The appearance of this liquid-based manufacturing process supplements the overall concept by evoking the image of small ponds also during production,” added nendo.
Available in Emerald and Montana crystal, the collection is comprised of four tray sizes.
“Like a drop in a lake or pond, each piece’s smooth yet rippled crystal surface comes alive with the kinetic energy of nature,” said Atelier Swarovski.
