Toru means “through” in Japanese, go from side to side. Like an arrow hurled into the sky, like a buried seedling piercing the earth on its way upward, like a flower that emerges from the seed and pushes its way through the soil. This is why it was chosen as the name of the new kettle designed by Nendo for Alessi.

The clean elegance of its steel body seems perforated by a tubular element giving the impression of going through the kettle; that is first a curved handle on one side, and then a waterspout exiting the other side. An imaginary continuous line traverses the pot in a crossover figure, enhancing the pureness of the steel profile. The visual effect is part mathematic concept and part a childish flavoured illusionistic game.

The stainless-steel Toru belongs to the long tradition of metalworking that distinguishes Alessi, where design is merged with maximum functionality.
“The handle of a kettle is usually gripped from the side, but thanks to the top-suspended shape, the kettle can be easily lifted from the power base, and hot water can be poured smoothly by holding the upper part of the handle as a fulcrum and lightly tilting the kettle” Nendo explains.

The base, too, was designed with meticulous care, softly rounding off the bottom sides of the kettle. When the two parts are connected during the power supply, they integrate with continuity. When separated, their aesthetics remain complete.

And so, the Toru preserves the accomplished lines of its design both while pouring the water and while warming it.

Category:Kitchen and AppliancesYear:2024Designers:Nendo Nendo, Nendo, Tokyo, JapanManufacturer:Alessi S.p.A., Omegna (VB), Italy