The most fun I ever have playing with mud—both hypothetically and practically speaking—is when I just step back and let my inner fanboy completely take over. That’s exactly what happened with this latest batch of experimental cups.
If the handles look a bit like legendary weapon hilts, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. They are directly inspired by the iconic sword designs from the legendary Hong Kong manhua series, Storm Riders (Fung Wan)
Meeting an Idol: A Blast from the Past
The creator behind those legendary designs, Ma Wing-shing (Jones Ma), has been an absolute idol of mine for as long as I can remember. This project brought back a massive wave of nostalgia for me. About two decades ago, I actually had the incredible privilege of meeting Mr. Ma a few times.
He was fantastic to talk to, and we had such a great time connecting back then. His sharp, hyper-dynamic line work and unforgettable weapon designs left a permanent imprint on my creative brain. Decades later, that inspiration is finally bleeding into my pottery studio!
The Experiment: Hilts vs. Handles
Turning a legendary comic book sword into a functional ceramic cup handle was a ridiculously fun puzzle. I threw a series of clean, simple cup bodies to act as my canvas, and then spent hours experimenting with the guards, grips, and pommels:
- The Guard Intersect: Capturing the dramatic flair where the sword guard meets the blade—or in this case, where the handle fuses to the wall of the cup.
- The Grip Texture: Recreating the wrapped, segmented feel of a hilt. It has to look highly stylized, but it also has to feel comfortable when you’re wrapping your fingers around it for a morning coffee.
- The Pommel Balance: Getting the weight distribution right so the cup doesn’t feel completely lopsided when filled.
Play in the Studio
Sometimes the best work comes from just playing around with the stories and memories that shaped you. These pieces are pure nostalgia for me—a small tribute to a legendary artist who was just as gracious in person as he is talented on the page.
Want to learn more about the master himself?
Check out this short feature video on my idol and his creative journey: Ma Wing-Shing – An Artist’s Key To Happiness