kin: one’s family and relations
恳: pronounced “ken” (kěn); earnest and sincere
Born in Taiwan, raised in the US, and now hailing Shanghai as home, Bill Yen is an award-winning architect who has run MRT Design Studio for over 10 years. kin Objects is a project of passion that started in 2019 with wife Miranda, drawing its inspiration from their multi-faceted identities as first-generation immigrants. Rooted in the ancient traditions of incense burning, and re-interpreted with a distinctly minimal aesthetic, kin Objects seeks to re-invent the rich heritage of Chinese incense burning for a modern, global audience.
“It is our sincere hope that as you add a kin Object to your home, it encapsulates a part of your story, your life. We hope that it becomes a daily reminder of your divergent life stories, and how they interweave to create something truly unique. We hope that this imparts a sense of comfort and belonging to you, just as it does for us; and that as you welcome guests into your home, kin Objects become a point of connection between people, stories, and cultures. This is the story of kin, of us, of our home. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you into the family.”
- Bill, Miranda, Celine, and Auggie