Issue 04

The hammer above the K in StudioKahn’s logo represents both one of the oldest working tools, and the values Mey and Boaz Kahn bring to the homeware and jewelry items produced in their Ramot Hashavim studio.  Fragile was the first project the couple worked on together as students of industrial design at the Bezalel Academy of Art in Jerusalem. The first item in the Fragile ceramic line, their salt and pepper shaker was inspired by the question “Can my guests feel more “at home” if I let them break something?” The Fragile salt and pepper shaker comes in one piece and by breaking it, you make it useful. “Breaking offers the experience of an impulsive outburst.  This time, it is an act that builds rather than destroys. The event of breaking leaves its mark on the shaker and gives it its final, unique, one-of-a-kind appearance.” Once snapped in two, the Fragile salt and pepper shaker is ready to use.

INTERVIEW: Mey and Boaz Kahn,  Studio Kahn (Made In: Countlan Issue 04)

01 What was the inspiration behind the Fragile Salt and Pepper Shakers?
Our inspiration for this project comes from different cultures where there is a mix of destruction and joy. When was the last time you emphatically broke something? The thought of a whole object that has to be broken was born from thoughts about: What is true hospitality? What is a real gift? Can my guest feel more “at home” if I let him break something, and then it will become his? From there it developed into the concept and direction of “destruction and construction”, “the broken that is whole”.  We created a product that comes in one piece and by breaking it, you make it useful. Breaking is an experience of impulsive outburst, but this time is an act that builds rather than destroys. In a world of products whose shape is completely dictated by the designer, we enable the user to complete the design himself. The event of the breaking leaves its mark on the shaker and gives it its final, unique, one-of-a-kind appearance.

02 How did you get your start in the field of industrial design? 
We did not start in design right away.  Mey is a dancer and Boaz has a bachelor of science degree in physics. We met during our studies at Bezalel, Academy of Art and Design, Jerusalem and got married after our second year of studies.We both graduated with degrees in Industrial Design in 2009 and opened our studio right after. Over the last three years, we participated in exhibitions and design-festivals in New York, Tokyo, Lodz, Paris, Milan and Israel. Today we are working on expanding our repertoire of products in the field of home ware, jewelry and interior products.

03 How did you two meet?
We met in the Industrial Design department at Bezalel Academy of Art Jerusalem. We started the Fragile Collection when we were in the third year. This was the first project we worked on together.  The project began right after our wedding when Boaz broke the wine glass (a traditional Jewish ceremony).  We were born in Israel and live in Jerusalem.

04 Can you share a bit more about how to use Fragile?
Hold the salt & pepper shaker with both hands and snap it in two. Now you get two separate vessels. Fill them with salt and pepper and use! “Fragile” was the first project they were worked on together. This project was originally part of a course titled “Including VAT”. The aim of the course was to develop a product along the whole process, starting from the idea, going through manufacturing and up until marketing. The salt and pepper shaker is the first in a line of “fragile” ceramic products. The other products are a ceramic necklace and a ceramic vase which, off course, must be broken before use.

05 Where can Fragile salt and pepper shakers be purchased?
Currently, they are available online at the designboom store.

Photo Source: studiokahn.com