Dezeen Magazine

Iben Høj knits containers that are "reminiscent of sea creatures or exploded stars"

Presented as part of our Dezeen x The Mindcraft project 2022, Sh(r)ine is a series of three-dimensional knitted objects created by textile designer Iben Høj that function as containers.

Each Sh(r)ine piece is made from natural and synthetic materials knitted together to form a fibrous object.

The pieces have a colourful surface that shifts between various degrees of translucency.

Blue and pink Sh(r)ine textile container by Iben Høj on a pedestal
Sh(r)ine is a collection of knitted objects that can be used as containers

"Appearing like micro cosmos unto themselves, each object mixes together natural fibres enveloped in monofilament and a sense of luminosity – the resulting forms reminiscent of sea creatures or exploded stars," said Høj.

Sh(r)ine was selected as one of 10 pieces included in this year's Mindcraft Project exhibition, which showcases innovative designs by Danish creatives.

Orange and purple Sh(r)ine textile container by Iben Høj on a pedestal
Each piece has a delicate woven surface designed to contradict stereotypically hard containers

Applying a combination of handcrafted and machine techniques, Høj aimed to challenge the typical notion of containers when creating the collection.

"The resulting forms combine internal and external surfaces that explore the functional ability of the container to hold objects – paradoxically translated through light, weft-like structures that intertwine transparencies and monochromatic shifts in colour as the user interacts with each formation," said the designer.

Close up of Sh(r)ine containers in different colours
Høj used a combination of handcrafted and machine techniques

Høj "sketched" directly in the material and adopted a drop-stitch technique to fabricate the three-dimensional shape.

According to the designer, small folds and inlets were incorporated into the design to indicate Sh(r)ine's function as a container.

"The combination of techniques, materials and colours allows the series to explore notions of complexity and simplification, space and surface, contemporary and tradition, craftsmanship and the machine – inviting interaction and exploration with the audience as they unfold each layer," said Høj.

The photography is by Anders Sune Berg and the video is by Benjamin Lund.

Dezeen x The Mindcraft Project 2022

Dezeen x The Mindcraft Project 2022 is a partnership between Dezeen and Copenhagen Design Agency. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

More images

Sh(r)ine knitted container by Iben Høj
Sh(r)ine knitted container by Iben Høj
Sh(r)ine knitted container by Iben Høj
Sh(r)ine knitted container by Iben Høj
Sh(r)ine knitted container by Iben Høj