In Limbo

A generations-old drinking ritual forms the basis of this project. Centred around Ratzeputz, a light country wine from Lower Saxony, the ritual is one of tradition, togetherness and Geselligkeit. Three objects were designed to accompany its consumption and give form to the shared experience.

The chalice features a water glass, used during the cosy evening, sitting on a base that becomes the vessel for the Ratzeputz. A single sphere travels through the timer as the ritual commences, and the lamp not only becomes stormier as time passes, but also records each use with its patina.

The chalice sits nestled innocently underneath the water glass, serving as no more than a unique base for the majority of the evening. It is only when the Ratzeputz is brought out, and upon instruction, that it is removed from under the water glass and receives its place as the vessel for the upcoming drink. The sphere at the tip meets the tip of the glass from the inside, and the negative space created outlines a traditional chalice shape, referencing the “religious reasons” we drink for.

The timer, by the time one ends the drinking ritual, becomes the most detestable object. The 60 seconds it takes the small ball to fall through the glass measure the 60 seconds of inferno one must endure during the drinking ritual. The flames grow larger and larger, and once the ball arrives at the bottom — a swallow of relief. The magnetic ball joint lets you rotate the timer to reset the clock, poised for the next victims.

The lamp has panels that rotate around a single flame source. The flame grows larger with each passing minute, and if lit at the start of the ritual, climaxes while the Ratzeputz is warming you. The panels can be rearranged to the wished ambience, and simultaneously the heat of the flame reacts with the brass and recolours the panels after each use.