Bowls Plus by Michelle Chuang

Michelle Chuang
Bowls Plus, 2002

The Re-inventing Rituals exhibit featured tableware highlighting Chinese eating habits, reflecting the culture’s values and traditions.

Michelle Huang from Singapore studied Chinese people living in the Netherlands. While they adapt to Dutch culture, they still keep many traditional rituals, especially related to food. However, younger generations who didn’t grow up in China may not recognize these customs as easily. Huang explores how both the local culture and future Chinese generations can create a new shared framework.

Her ceramic designs encourage us to actively participate in these rituals or learn about them through use. For example, in Chinese culture, it is polite to leave some food when finished eating. To reflect this, Huang designed bowls with a special pocket for leftovers.

The bowls were introduced in different colours.