We fell in love with ceramist ANDREA TSANG´s earthy tableware. We met at her new studio for a chat about shapes, colors and down to earth artistry. Her ceramics—grounded in a fusion of Eastern and Western traditions—are more than just functional items; they are thoughtful, timeless expressions of connection.
Andrea Tsang, transitioned from a fast-paced fashion career to ceramics in search of design that connects with people. Her goal is to create timeless pieces that balance East Asian craftsmanship with Scandinavian functionality. Whether a coffee cup inspired by her hand-drip ritual or a candle holder featured in The Bear, Andrea’s work reflects a deep commitment to meaningful design. Through her collections, Andrea’s ceramics encourage people to slow down, connect with the objects around them, and appreciate the stories they tell. Grounded in a mix of Eastern and Western design traditions, her work goes beyond functionality—it’s about creating lasting connections through craftsmanship.
Originally from Hong Kong, Andrea studied visual art before working in fashion design for over a decade. She was drawn to creativity and travel but grew disillusioned with the fast fashion industry’s rapid pace. During the pandemic, she left her job and focused on ceramics. She began by visiting a pottery studio in Shanghai, rediscovering the craft after a previous, less impactful attempt in university. “It wasn’t about the end result; it was about the process—just me, my hands, and the clay,” she recalls. From there, Andrea dove deeper into pottery, and after moving to Stockholm, she started Studio ANDREA TSANG. A post of her first handmade coffee cup on Instagram led to an overwhelming response, prompting her to set up an online shop.
How would you describe yourself?
– I would say I am both sensitive and fearless. My sensitivity allows me to deeply connect with people, art, and my surroundings, giving me a strong sense of intuition and emotion. At the same time, I am fearless—I believe in taking action when inspiration strikes. Through action, we learn, grow, and refine our path along the way.
What’s your inner passion and drive?
– My inner passion is rooted in creativity, curiosity, and connection. I find endless inspiration in the world around me—through people, art, and experiences—and I strive to express these inspirations in meaningful ways. What drives me is the urge to explore, create, and take action without hesitation. I believe growth comes from trying, learning, and evolving, and I am always motivated to push beyond limits to bring new ideas to life.
For example, last summer, I met an inspiring artist and painter, Josephine Tolstoy. Our artistic visions aligned so well that we decided to collaborate for Stockholm Design Week. She created beautiful drawings on my Amphora vessels, and the entire project was guided by our connection, curiosity about each other’s craft, and a shared intuitive process. This collaboration resulted in the exhibition The Unexpected, which explores the power of trust, intuition, and the creative journey—where the process itself is just as significant as the final outcome. Through this approach, the unexpected emerges.
Featured in the TV series “The Bear” Season 3 and designed for versatile use in modern life, Amphora “The Vase” can be transformed into a candle holder with a complimentary metal candle insert.
Andrea’s designs merge minimalist Scandinavian style with the warmth of Asian traditions. Growing up with a mix of British, European, American, and Japanese influences, she admires Scandinavian design’s simplicity but feels it can be too cold. “Asian cultures emphasize warmth and human connection,” she says, aiming to bring this balance into her work. A simple bowl, for example, might look unassuming at first, but its handmade details—like trimming marks—tell a story of craftsmanship.
Her creative process blends intuition with precision. For functional pieces like coffee cups, she refines the form directly on the wheel, only sketching once the basic shape is set. Detailed sketches, often referred to as the studio “Bible,” ensure consistency for more intricate or repeatable pieces. For one-off sculptures, Andrea allows her intuition to guide the final touches. She also incorporates modern technology, like 3D printing, to create molds for some of her designs.
Do you have a life philosophy you live by?
– Not too much, not too little. Not perfect, because nothing truly is.” Life, to me, is about balance—in everything. I believe in embracing imperfections, finding harmony, and living with intention.
Growing up in Hong Kong, I was surrounded by a fast-paced, high-energy environment where ambition and hard work were deeply valued. When I moved to Sweden, I was introduced to the concept of lagom—the idea of “just the right amount,” a philosophy that resonated deeply with me. It helped me find a new perspective on balance, both in life and in my creative work. Today, this mindset is not only something I live by but also the foundation of my brand, guiding everything I create.
Which piece in your collection makes your heart sing a little bit extra?
– MIZU The Flow. This collection holds deep personal meaning for me, as I began working on it during a time of loss, after my father passed away. It became a reflection of my own search for inner peace amid life’s ever-changing currents.
“Mizu,” meaning “water” in Japanese, inspired the fluid, delicate forms of these black porcelain vases. Their flowing lines and fragile beauty mirror the movement, strength, and stillness of the sea that surrounds my hometown, Hong Kong. To me, they embody the ebb and flow of emotions, growth, and healing—an invitation for others to connect with their own journey of self-discovery and authenticity.
Andrea’s collections—Terra, Mizu, and Amphora—each tell a distinct story. Terra is inspired by terracotta, focusing on earthy tones and simple, durable pieces that fit seamlessly into daily life. The idea behind Terra is integration—buy a bowl, and it will blend perfectly with whatever else you have. The collection also includes kitchenware, like a sculptural olive oil bottle she’s particularly proud of. Mizu, created with black porcelain, this collection draws on Andrea’s family time in Hong Kong and incorporates elements of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. “It’s about finding beauty in imperfection and creating a sense of calm,” she explains. Amphora is inspired by ancient Greek vessels that balanced function with decoration. Andrea’s take on this idea is seen in pieces like a candle holder designed to be both beautiful and practical.
What do you wish for in 2025?
– In 2025, I aim to deepen my work through private collaborations in interior and spatial design, allowing me to integrate craftsmanship and thoughtful design from the very beginning of a project. I’m excited to explore how ceramics can enhance homes and spaces—bringing warmth, texture, and a personal touch to carefully curated environments.
The opening of my showroom in Stockholm has been a key step in this journey. Through seasonal exhibitions and immersive design settings, I showcase how ceramics can be seamlessly incorporated into the home. Looking ahead, I plan to expand this concept into new spaces, further exploring the dialogue between material, atmosphere, and the feeling of home.
The Amphora Vessel 017 pays homage to Ancient Greek vessels while infusing them with a contemporary twist and a touch of mid-century modernism.
The Terra Coffee Dripper Set comprises a V60-style coffee dripper with jug and lid, striking a balance between functionality and artistic allure.
Right: Terra Espresso mug.
Terra Bowl.
Left; Terra Flat Plates.
Right: The MIZU Flow series is inspired by the ocean’s eternal interplay of raw force and fluid elegance, MIZU borrows its organic form from nature.
Amphora Vessel 012.
Three things you would like to recommend?