Tea is a drink both sweeter and more bitter than water. The first sip is scalding, with an astringent aroma that lingers in the nose. Its origins trace back to ancient China, where it was first consumed as medicine — a remedy for the body and soul. My grandmother used to say tea was good for you, though as a child, I wasn’t sure I believed her.

Looking back, tea is woven through countless memories. Sugary barley tea on humid summer afternoons. Green tea sipped in the quiet hum of a staff room. Iced tea at McDonald's, laughing with friends. A cup of té con leche in a sleepy Spanish town. Tea accompanied serious conversations and lingered over elegant breakfasts. It was always there — a quiet witness to life’s unfolding moments.

Why does tea appear in so many moments of life? Why has humanity cherished this drink for centuries? The answer feels a bit mysterious. Over time, people grew familiar with its taste and aroma — no longer just a remedy, but a quiet source of comfort. Perhaps that’s why tea is so often present when people share something important with one another.

We reach for tea in our daily lives. Shall we slow down? Take a breath? In search of peace of mind — or perhaps as a small act of rebellion against life’s distractions — we brew a cup. But what if these moments could become extraordinary? What if the tools we use could make each pause even more memorable? This question sparked the design journey of the MoonKettle.

The color, shape, size, and weight of a tool can change the movements, gestures, and rhythm of the person using it. Tools have the power to influence mood and shape the atmosphere of a space. When seen this way, the pursuit of the perfect moment — designing not just the tools but the garden, the tea room, and even the way tea is served — was the essence of chanoyu (the Japanese tea ceremony).

We, at BALMUDA, are modern toolmakers. We wanted to create something that elevates those quiet, intentional moments. Our inspiration for this project came from the yào guàn (药罐) of China, originally used to boil medicinal herbs. Over time, it evolved into a simple kettle, becoming a familiar presence not only in Chinese homes but in Japanese life as well.

We pursued an elegant silhouette, drawing inspiration from the traditional yakkan (medicine kettle). The large handle, a nod to classic iron kettles, became the origin of the design. To our surprise, the MoonKettle evolved into something even lovelier and more iconic than we had imagined. Its distinctive, soothing sound fills the room as the water heats, while the warm glow, reminiscent of a stove, adds to its quiet charm — subtle touches unique to modern tools.

During development, the kettle was briefly named the “Uguisu Kettle,” inspired by the Japanese bush warbler (uguisu). The idea made sense. When the water finished heating, the kettle would play the bird’s call. It seemed fitting, but when we tested it, the sound didn’t quite work. The soft chirp, though pleasant, felt out of place for an everyday tool. In the end, we decided to leave the nightingale behind and let the MoonKettle speak for itself.

The days move relentlessly, like waves washing over the shore — sometimes leaving something behind, sometimes not. Even when we try to focus, time slips away, scattered by the endless distractions around us. It’s easy to get lost in the flow.

But now, let’s have some tea. Turn off the TV. Put down the phone. Take a seat and talk to the person right in front of you.