Hanghyu Kim
Biography and Design Philosophy
Korean industrial designer and creative director Hanghyu Kim graduated from Kyungwon University and quickly established himself as a distinctive voice in contemporary product design. His work reflects a deep fascination with form, balance, and the emotional power of everyday objects. Rather than designing simple tableware, Kim approaches objects as small pieces of architecture—precise, expressive, and capable of transforming daily rituals.
His work gained international attention through participation in major design exhibitions such as Maison & Objet in 2010 and the Milan Design Fair in 2011. These events placed him within the global conversation of contemporary design, where experimentation meets craftsmanship and where designers redefine traditional objects for modern living.
The Collaboration with Seletti and the Era Collection
One of the most significant milestones in Kim’s career arrived with his collaboration with the Italian design brand Seletti. In 2011 this partnership led to the creation of the celebrated Hanghyu Kim Era collection, a series of refined porcelain pieces that reinterpret the traditional tea ritual with modern aesthetics.
The iconic Seletti Era set 6 coffee cups and saucers and the elegant Seletti Era teapot belong to the sophisticated world of Tea and Teacups and Tea sets, yet they transcend their functional purpose. Their geometric silhouettes and contemporary proportions transform them into sculptural objects, making them a perfect example of sculptural tea set design and a refined luxury coffee cups and saucers set.
Modern Tableware for Design Collectors
What makes a tea set truly memorable? Is it the material, the shape, or the story behind it? In Kim’s case, it is the delicate balance between all these elements. The refined porcelain construction of the Era pieces creates a sophisticated contemporary porcelain tea set, ideal for collectors and design enthusiasts searching for a distinctive modern tea service set.
Design lovers exploring modern tableware design trends often discover the Era collection while searching for the best designer coffee cups or a unique designer porcelain teapot. Whether displayed as collectible objects or used daily, the creations of Hanghyu Kim designer embody the elegance and innovation that define contemporary design culture.
For those seeking collectible designer tea sets or wishing to buy Seletti Era coffee cups or buy Seletti Era teapot, the Era collection remains a compelling example of how thoughtful design can elevate even the most familiar rituals of the table.