These cabinets by Esrawe Studio are based on the process of making mezcal – a traditional Mexican alcohol. The studio designed the three pieces using varying combinations of engraved black wood and brass or metal in homage to the tradition of making mezcal – liquor distilled from the agave plant. “The whole of the design, production and process of The Agave Cabinets reflects as an analogy of mezcal making,” said Esrawe Studio, which is based in Mexico City. To make the alcoholic liquid, artisans remove and roast the core of the agave. The heat leaves the plant with a scorched skin, which informed the use of the patterned black wood.

Brass stands supporting two of the cabinets resemble the light amber colour of mezcal. At the back, both have two shelves for storing bottles of the liquor. Local cultures across Mexico have different ways of making and consuming mezcal. Therefore the studio designed the three pieces to look unique from one another, and asked three different artisans to construct them. “Each of the sets designed will be slightly different due to the unique skills of the artisans that craft them,” said Esrawe.

The designers also created a set of vessels for the cabinets, to incorporate the culture of drinking mezcal into the project. “We have collaborated with Ceramica Suro to produce a series of porcelain bottles, cups and small trays, which are a reinterpretation of the common objects used around the consumption of mezcal,” said the designers. Dezeen listed Esrawe Studio as one of five Mexican designers and studios to watch following Design Week Mexico last October. Other items produced by the designers include a ceramic sheet that folds into different vessels, and a reusable perfume bottle made of overlapping spheres.

Design: Esrawe Studio

https://www.dezeen.com/2017/03/09/esrawe-studio-agave-cabinets-celebrate-culture-craft-mezcal/#/