Dezeen Magazine

Whistling Jug by Pierre Charrié

The Pan whistling jug sounds a musical note as you pour

French designer Pierre Charrié has reimagined traditional Peruvian singing vessels with his collection of coloured musical jugs.

The ceramic Pan whistling carafe is a reinterpretation of pre-Columbian ceramic vessels found in Peru. These were used as ceremonial tools to produce sounds for healing purposes or to invoke spirits.

"I'm very interested in ancient and ritual objects, it's an inexhaustible source of inspiration for me. Sound objects are often my favourites," said Charrié.

Whistling Jug by Pierre Charrié

With the help of Victor Mauro from design studio ça va faire du bruit, Charrié created a sound mechanism that is very simple and creates an interesting musical note when the jug is used.

As the water moves around inside the jug it creates a movement of air that passes through a whistle built into the hollow of the handle.

"Implemented into a functional object, this brings some magic into ordinary gestures," continued Charrié.

Whistling Jug by Pierre Charrié

The jug takes on the shape of a bird, a zoomorphic design that nods to the original Peruvian vessels. The streaked texture adds animality to the volume, referencing the bird's feathering as well as the water movement in the jugs.

The bird-like shape also emphasises the sound feature, which Charrié hopes will come as an enjoyable surprise to the user.

Whistling Jug by Pierre Charrié

"I think acoustic sounds are precious," said Charrié to Dezeen. "First of all, they are often more pleasing to the ear than electronic sounds."

"I also believe they are linked to our spirituality and I like the idea that we can enjoy them in our daily life, at home, at the office, in a restaurant. In the case of the jug, it's a way to celebrate the simple fact of having a drink with a nice sound."

Whistling Jug by Pierre Charrié

Earlier this year Japanese designer Yuri Suzuki has created a singing washing machine and a musical kettle to explore how everyday sounds in the home can impact our mood.

The Pan carafe is produced by Moustache Editions.

More images

Whistling Jug by Pierre Charrié
Whistling Jug by Pierre Charrié
Whistling Jug by Pierre Charrié
Whistling Jug by Pierre Charrié
Whistling Jug by Pierre Charrié