Last week, when I was in Hong Kong I attended the HK Housewares Fair to see the launch of my first tabletop range Celestial Dragon for Artilize. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am with how the new range looks. This is the first collection where I have designed the actual shapes of the ceramics as well as the design. I’ve also made a ‘behind the scenes’ video of the design too!

Celestial Dragon Launch at the 2012 HK Housewares Fair

Celestial Dragon Launch at the 2012 HK Housewares Fair

Here’s some information from the press release:

There are 30 pieces in the range; including options for both Western and Asian table settings. Both the ceramic design and the dragon artwork have been exclusively designed for Artilize Worldwide Co Ltd by Chris.

Using a mélange of soft blues and greys for the scales and, echoing the fluid form of the dragon, in the shapes of the handle, the result is an elegant dinnerware range that is both stylish and sophisticated. The design is also enhanced with a subtly textured cloud pattern in the background. The cloud is a commonly seen design in Chinese Art and when repeated in a pattern symbolizes never-ending fortune.

“The Dragon occupies the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac and is considered to be the mightiest of the signs; a symbol of power and wealth. Trying to convey this and not make the dragons look too scary was quite a challenge!” says Chris.

“I also paid close attention to the cultural significance of dragons and looked back in history for reference. For example, all my dragons have 5 talons on each claw. Traditionally, this was only allowed to be painted for the emperor or high nobility. The design had to recognize that is bad luck for the dragon’s head to be painted facing downwards. These dragon designs reflect the power of this majestic celestial being.”