Qin

Established in 2013, Qin is a glassware brand born out of Wang Qin studio, which creates artwork and installations using glass as the primary medium. Both are founded by Wang Qin, who began his career studying ceramics at the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute. He went on to receive his master’s degree in glass art from Shanghai University, and his training in clay is evident in his glass work.

Wang Qin interprets the tradition and style of Chinese calligraphy and ink painting through the medium of glass. His works are Zen-like, communicating an adherence to Chinese traditional culture and pursuit of the spiritual. The brand Qin is inspired by the Chinese character for ‘Qìn’ (沁), which means ‘follow the flow of water and listen to your heart’ and is often associated with reflection and tranquility, the very same qualities that define glass.

Every Qin object is crafted delicately with clean and unpretentious lines and designed for use in the study while practicing calligraphy, for instance, in the form of tea sets, incense holders and receptacles for other small objects. Wang Qin Studio’s long-term engagement with the material allows the exquisite nature of glass to reveal itself as a material worthy of reference to serenity and the designation ‘Qìn’.