When the Vessel Shapes the Experience: JIN JIN x LL Ceramic
Sometimes the experience of a drink begins long before the first sip.
The glass, the texture, the weight in your hand — these small details quietly shape how we taste, feel and remember a drink. That idea sits at the heart of a recent collaboration between JIN JIN and London-based ceramic designer Michelle Leung (@ll.ceramic).
Michelle’s work explores the connection between taste and form. Through research, interviews and material experimentation, she designs ceramic vessels that visually express flavour itself — translating sensations like sweetness, bitterness or spice into colour, texture and shape.
One of her recent pieces explores spiciness.
Participants in Michelle’s research were asked to imagine what “spicy” might look and feel like. The responses consistently pointed toward jagged shapes, energetic textures and sharper visual forms. From these insights, she created a ceramic cup designed to embody that sensation — a vessel that visually and physically reflects the feeling of heat.
To bring the idea to life, Michelle created a refreshing, alcohol-free drink using JIN JIN in her spicy ceramic cup. The drink was made with:
• JIN JIN
• Sparkling water
• Fresh chilli slices
• Lime
Bright, lively and gently warming, it's the kind of drink that feels as intriguing as the cup it’s served in.
You can see Michelle’s creation here:
[View the Instagram post]
Her work reminds us that drinking isn’t just about flavour. It’s a multi-sensory experience where sight, touch and taste all play a role.
And sometimes, the vessel is part of the ritual.
About Michelle Leung
Michelle Leung is a London-based ceramic designer whose work explores cross-sensory dining experiences. A graduate of Staffordshire University (MA Ceramics) and Hong Kong Polytechnic University (BA Product Design), her research-driven approach investigates how form, texture and colour can evoke flavour perception.
Through carefully developed glazes and materials, Michelle creates tableware that encourages diners to engage with food and drink in a deeper, multi-sensory way.. blurring the boundaries between taste, touch and sight.
Explore her work:
https://llceramicleung.com/
