Hsiang-Heng Hsiao

Saltod’acqua wash basin for Flaminia

Hsiang-Heng Hsiao grew up in Taiwan, studied in America, and now his aim is to become a designer in Europe. Indeed, he already holds university degrees in Fine Arts and in Business from University of Oregon and is currently attending the Italian Product Design Master’s course at Istituto Marangoni School of Design in Milano. His style is strongly influenced by both western and eastern philosophies, and his areas of activity range from interior, graphic, visual and product design, to art direction, and studio arts. Hsiang-Heng designed SALTOD’ACQUA, a wash basin for the curricular project with the Italian ceramic company Flaminia. The draws inspiration from the Japanese concept of baths, is strongly imbued with the linear, functional aspects of western design tradition. SALTOD’ACQUA is a ceramic wash basin based on Hsiang-Heng’s memories as a child in Japanese baths, which are not only intended for cleaning purposes in Eastern culture, but are rather considered a place for reflection where to clean the soul and find inner peace. The project translates the sense of following the small mountain stream in search of a peaceful moment into the simple and clear values of minimal design. The use of neutral colours as black, white, and silver allows Hsiang-Heng to focus on and convey his message clearly, as if to recall the cathartic role of a cup of tea during a convivial tea ceremony with grandparents.