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Teapot inspired from Japanese gardens
Dooc is a teapot inspired from Shishi-odoshi (鹿威し), a type of water fountain that creates a rhythmic sound.
Keywords: Zen, Tranquil, Meditative
The music of water
The name Dooc comes from the soft sound made by the Japanese water fountain, Shishi-odoshi (鹿威し). Taking this inspiration, Dooc reinterprets its meditative motion and sound within a contemporary tea ritual. The vessel rotates around a fixed axis to pour, then returns to its upright position, gently striking a stopper. As the water level changes, the tone of this impact also varies, creating a fun surprising element.
Through this simple function, Dooc transforms the act of serving tea into a multisensory experience. Sound, movement, and balance come together to evoke a sense of calm and serenity, making each pour unique.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/622411610986463028
The design of Dooc follows a minimalist, modern aesthetic. The simplified cylindrical cast iron vessel subtly references the form of bamboo, while maintaining a clean and restrained silhouette. A natural bamboo handle connect it back to the Zen garden, using its warm color and natural texture to balance the coldness of cast iron. Every material and form choice is intentional, designed to minimize distraction and enhance the sensory experience, guiding the user’s attention toward the smell, temperature, and sound of the tea.
The vessel part can be detached for refill and cleaning. A rubber pad at the base of the stand dampens vibrations when the teapot returns to its resting position, while also providing friction to keep the structure stable and prevent spills.
Development process
Surprisingly, the inspiration from shishi-odoshi emerged late in the development of Dooc, but it ultimately became the defining element, reshaping the concept, form, materials, and interaction. The project originally began with the simple goal of designing a teapot that could pour without being lifted, driven by the practical challenge of handling large, heavy vessels.
But during early exploration, I struggled to find a form and interaction that felt coherent and convincing. With limited progress, the project was put on hold. The turning point came later, when I unexpectedly connected the concept to the shishi-odoshi fountain, and then everything make sense. Finding the right asethtics and form and the “musical” interaction is only a natural process after this.
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