I love it when artists open housewares shops—the products they choose always seem as original as their own work. Case in point: Ferse Verse.
Ferse Verse is a delightful selection of handmade and vintage goods by Hong Kong artist and graphic designer Furze Chan. Much like Furze’s own work, the items at Ferse Verse are balanced and graceful, but they also always have at least a dash of whimsy, a brush of color. Diminutive and personal, the objects at Ferse Verse are like haikus, capturing moments rather than creating big impressions. Though small in scale, they are large in personality. Though simple, they are storied.
Above: The Tofu Flat Spoon is a traditional Chinese brass spoon meant for serving tofu pudding; $14.
Above: A vintage Porcelain Trinket Box is shaped like an egg and hand-painted with a blue pattern; $44.
Above: Two small Bamboo Spoons designed by Furze, one of them dipped in red; $25 for the pair.
Above: Originally used by Chinese doctors, midwives, barbers, and hairdressers, these Cotton Towels say "Good Morning!" in two languages; $10 for two.
Above: A Milky Teacup by Hong Kong ceramic artist Joanna Tang who uses wax resist and glaze; $38.
Above: A Maxi HB Triangular Graphite Pencil by Milan, "good for writing and drawing!"; $4.
Above: A Vintage Corkscrew of steel and engraved metal; $45.
For more shops that we love, have a look at our Shopper's Diaries, and check out our favorite finds from Kiosk, a collection with a sensibility similar to Ferse Verse's.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on June 18, 2012 as part of our Bath & Spa Style issue.