PROSPERITY POTS
Prior to University, I set up a small business when I lived in Singapore. I designed, professionally commissioned and got a design patent for clay money pots that I called ‘Prosperity Pots’. These were inspired in design by Singapore’s multicultural identity.
THE DESIGN
Each pot was shaped in a dome to mirror the Malay domed architecture. Because Chinese Emperor coins are believed to be lucky and draw prosperity, they were a significant design element. I placed one Chinese Emperor coin on the top of the pot. Another was placed on the base and sealed with wax to encourage saving and embody prosperity. The coin on the base has the dragon and the phoenix on it to bring good fortune and protection. I chose red wax, as the colour is highly significant within the Chinese culture. To tie in Singapore’s third main culture, I designed an information card that was embellished in a design that emulated Indian Henna. This design is also on the logo and the wishing cards. The wishing cards are used if the pot is a gift then the giver can write a wish for the receiver. This wish is written on one of the enclosed wishing cards and placed into the pot along with one small lucky Chinese Emperor coin prior to giving the gift. When the pot is received, this is then a nice surprise for them when they open the pot at a later date. Another wishing card and small Chinese Emperor coin is given to the receiver for them to write his/her own wish to place into the pot.
I wanted to create a product that was practical, aesthetically pleasing and meaningful. I donated a portion of the profits to my chosen charity: Kick Sarcoma.
Each pot was unique in colour and finish. The pots were either elegantly glazed or painted in non-toxic chalk paint. The decision behind the chalk paint was because one of the main reasons customers were buying the pots was cultural gifts or as baby gifts. This paint was ideal as it allowed students to sign and write on these pots for teachers that were leaving or wedding guests to write messages on. Parents trying to incentivize their children to save money also bought them, thus being painted in non-toxic paint was crucial.
