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About Project

Designer luelue has transformed a poetic concept into a tangible creation – the lid of a gaiwan teacup shaped like a delicate hourglass. Using SLA 3D printing, the transparent top encapsulates soft blue particles, echoing the flow of time and evoking both visual serenity and emotional resonance.

The “sandglass” structure isn't just decorative. It metaphorically infuses the tea-drinking ritual with a sense of mindfulness – turning a simple pause for tea into a moment of reflection.

This is a fine example of how 3D printing enables artists and designers to prototype and produce emotional objects, especially ones that would be difficult or impossible to manufacture traditionally. The translucent resin captures both precision and softness, while the cone shapes and gentle grain size allow the 'sand' to visually settle like time itself.

At FacFox, we offer high-resolution SLA 3D printing with transparent resin, perfect for designers who need optical clarity, fine detail, and custom shapes – whether you're prototyping a concept or crafting a functional work of art. From tea culture to tabletop design, we bring your creative vision to life with precision and polish.

Solution

• Step 1: The conceptual model of the lid was digitally sculpted with CAD software, incorporating the hourglass form and clearances needed to fit the gaiwan base.
• Step 2: The upper part – the hourglass-shaped cap – was 3D printed using SLA technology, which enabled high-resolution output and clear resin material to resemble glass.
• Step 3: The printed component was post-cured and polished to enhance its transparency and smooth the surface.
• Step 4: Colored powder or fine particles were added inside the hollow hourglass dome to simulate the “sand” effect.
• Step 5: The finished lid was paired with a minimalist white ceramic gaiwan body, resulting in a striking contrast between the digital and traditional, the fleeting and the eternal.