The “Mu” cutlery set, designed by architect Toyo Ito for Alessi, has been awarded the 2014 DESIGN PLUS and the 2013 GOOD DESIGN Awards. The cutlery set, made from 18/10 stainless steel includes a table spoon, table fork, table knife, dessert spoon, dessert fork, dessert knife, tea spoon, coffee spoon, mocha coffee spoon, ladle, serving spoon, serving fork, salad set, cake server and pastry fork.
Designer Toyo Ito, who designed the range in 2013 says it is “Sharp, yet with a touch of sensitivity and elegance…linear, yet with an organic quality of plants. We intend to shift our familiar sensations with chopsticks onto cutlery”. Which I interpret to mean the design mimics the qualities associated with the feel and balance of chopsticks.
In 2006, Toyo Ito designed “KU” a porcelain service with a fluid, organic shape and this new range of “MU” cutlery was designed to complement the table range. MU in Japanese means “hexagon” so it’s easy to see why the cutlery set was so named.
The hexagonal section of the handle is created using a mould then an intricate manufacturing process that encompasses many stages. The precision of the slim, full handle is reminiscent of the shape of Oriental chopsticks and contrasts with the rounded profiles of the spoons and the knife blades.
I was really taken with the stunning visual qualities of this collection and I can see why it has won these two prestigious awards. What do you think?
For more information visit www.alessi.com
