This past week, in the stately halls of Palazzo Citterio, the humble teapot was reborn as an object of artistic contemplation and design innovation. Presented by the luxury fashion label Loewe, the exhibition gathered 25 artists, designers, and architects from around the world who reinterpreted the teapot, not as a utilitarian item, but as a sculptural form rich with symbolism, history, and cultural nuance.
The artworks spanned a wide spectrum of approaches, embracing everything from minimal, meditative elegance to bold, eccentric experimentation. Some pieces celebrated refined materiality through porcelain, ceramic, or metal, while others discarded functionality altogether in favor of visual exploration. Organic forms met geometric abstraction, and traditional craftsmanship clashed with futuristic silhouettes, creating a multifaceted dialogue that bridged cultures, disciplines, and generations.
Rather than unifying the display under a single aesthetic, the exhibition thrived on its contrasts. It showcased the teapot as a global icon, an emblem of ritual and community with roots across continents, open to endless reinterpretation. Some works hovered between sculpture and architecture, while others evoked themes of folklore, memory, or fantasy. Despite their diverse expressions, all the creations underscored a shared reverence for process and material.
Adding an extra layer of charm to the presentation, a series of hand-knitted tea cozies lent a playful counterbalance to the avant-garde pieces, blending artistic innovation with the warmth of everyday ritual.
By elevating an object as familiar and intimate as the teapot, the exhibition invited visitors to reflect on design’s ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. It was a celebration of craftsmanship and the subtle rituals that unite us, across cultures, homes, and generations.
