Coastal Bam

Salt Jar for Collecting Brine for Zhejiang University

The Coastal Bam Jar is a sustainable salt container designed for fishermen along China's southeastern coast. Its open mouth form allows for easy hand access, inspired by local usage habits. Dual bamboo weaving techniques improve filtration and durability. The natural materials offer a tactile, organic feel. Subtle references to Feng Shui reflect regional culture, allowing the jar to blend into daily life while honoring traditional craftsmanship.

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Coastal Bam by Hanshu Shen

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Salt Jar for Collecting Brine by Hanshu Shen

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Hanshu Shen Coastal Bam

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Hanshu Shen Salt Jar for Collecting Brine

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Zhejiang UniversityBrand Logo

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Unique Properties

CoastalBam Jar is a salt container designed for Chinese coastal communities to collect brine from coarse salt used in tofu and soy product preparation. It integrates dual bamboo weaving filters with a metal vessel to improve durability and hygiene. Drawing from regional customs and Feng Shui principles, the design modernizes tradition while ensuring cultural relevance and everyday usability.

Tags

Bamboo weaving, folklore, kitchenware, fishermen, salt pot

Production Technology

CoastalBam Jar combines traditional handmade bamboo weaving with modern metal processing technology. The bamboo weaving part adopts hexagonal holes and cross weaving method, which not only enhances the air permeability and filtration effect, but also ensures the smooth flow of brine. The metal bottle body is closely integrated with the bamboo weaving part through precise CNC processing.

Design Challenge

The most challenging aspect of this project was mastering the bamboo weaving techniques. As a beginner in this ancient intangible cultural heritage craft, I initially felt overwhelmed by the vastly different rules of each weaving method. Under the guidance of traditional artisans, I practiced tirelessly—from cross weaving to trapezoidal weaving, and finally to hexagonal weaving. My fingers were cut countless times during this process. Ultimately, I mastered each method and understood their unique characteristics, allowing me to seamlessly integrate this ancient craft into the design.

Project Duration

This project commenced in January 2024 in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, and was completed in March 2024 in Xiangshan, a traditional fishing village in Zhejiang. Following its completion, the design received the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in June 2024, recognizing its innovative approach and cultural significance. In October 2024, the project was showcased at the Red Dot Museum in Singapore.

Operation Flow

Step 1: The user places the coarse salt on top of the crystal funnel and uses their hand to scoop the salt for daily cooking. Step 2: In the humid coastal environment, the coarse salt gradually deliquesces, and the brine flows into the filter funnel, where impurities are further separated to yield clean brine. Step 3: The user uses the collected brine to make traditional soy products or season food.

Research

This design research is an applied ethnographic study aimed at improving tools for coastal fishermen. The goal was to create a sustainable salt jar that aligns with traditional practices while solving issues like brine contamination. Through fieldwork and material testing, we identified challenges in fishermen’s cooking routines. The Brine Jar features an open-mouth design, inspired by fishermen’s habit of using their fingers to measure salt and the tradition of leaving coarse salt for Feng Shui purposes. We also explored bamboo weaving techniques to integrate them into the design.

Inspiration

Inspired by traditional fishermen in southeastern China, this design addresses the local practice of collecting brine from deliquescent coarse salt, which contains magnesium chloride impurities. To support this sustainable process, porous salt jars are crafted using regional bamboo weaving techniques. Bamboo, known for its flexibility and fast growth, is deeply rooted in the local culture and offers an eco-friendly solution for effective brine filtration.

Image Credits

Image #1: Creator LiangHou, CoastalBam Jar, 2024. Image #2: Creator LiangHou, CoastalBam Jar, 2024. Image #3: Creator LiangHou, CoastalBam Jar, 2024. Image #4: Creator LiangHou, CoastalBam Jar, 2024. Image #5: Creator LiangHou, CoastalBam Jar, 2024.

Project Overview

Coastal Bam Salt Jar for Collecting Brine has been a Iron winner in the Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

Hanshu Shen was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Coastal Bam Salt Jar for Collecting Brine.

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