SG60 Commemorative cup

The Inspiration

To commemorate Singapore’s 60th birthday, East Inspirations unveils a Chinese host cup that seamlessly fuses national pride with timeless craftsmanship. Rooted in the spirit of resilience and multicultural harmony, the design draws inspiration from Singapore’s transformative nation-building story—each motif echoing milestones of progress, unity, and hope. Crafted in collaboration with master artisans from Jingdezhen, the renowned heart of Chinese porcelain, this cup embodies elegance and heritage. It stands not merely as a vessel, but as a tribute: a convergence of culture and artistry that celebrates six decades of identity, ambition, and collective dreams.

Vanda miss joaquim

The Vanda Miss Joaquim, Singapore’s national flower, was chosen as the cup’s central motif to honor the nation’s enduring spirit. Symbolizing resilience, multicultural harmony, and blooming potential, it mirrors the values that shaped Singapore’s identity over the past six decades. Hand-painted in underglaze polychrome, the orchid’s graceful petals unfold across the porcelain’s surface, offering a vibrant floral splay that gently reveals itself as tea is sipped—inviting quiet reflection. This artistic choice not only celebrates the flower’s elegance but also captures its deeper significance: a resilient bloom born from hybrid vigor, much like the Singapore story itself.

Vessel of unity

The cup’s square form is a deliberate homage to Singapore’s harmonious foundation—built upon the unity of its four major ethnic groups. Each side represents a distinct community, yet together they create a balanced whole, just as Singapore forged strength through diversity. Choosing a square shape in porcelain is no easy feat: its angles demand precision, its structure resists conformity—much like the intricate task of building a multicultural nation. Yet, through perseverance and purpose, Singapore triumphed. The result is a vessel that not only holds tea, but embodies resilience, inclusivity, and the beauty of forging unity from complexity.

60 unique pieces

Limited to just 60 pieces, this commemorative cup series pays tribute to each year of Singapore’s remarkable nation-building journey. Every piece is individually handmade, capturing the subtle variations and spirit of artisanal dedication—no two are alike, just as each chapter of the nation's story carries its own distinct triumphs and trials. Marked with East Inspirations’ seal and its unique edition number, each cup becomes a personal homage to the resilience, unity, and aspirations that shaped Singapore’s past and future. It is not simply collectible—it is a tactile reflection of progress and pride, forged with care and steeped in meaning.

Glazed and hand carved “pahua” or sgraffito treatment

Floral sgraffito

Etched across the surface in delicate floral sgraffito, this design honors Singapore’s legacy as a Garden City—where urban sophistication thrives alongside lush greenery. The motif unfurls in gentle ombre lilac, inspired by the nuanced hues of Vanda Miss Joaquim, casting a serene glow that shifts with light and movement. Crafted through a labor-intensive technique of carving through layers of glaze, the sgraffito serves as a metaphor: Singapore’s achievements, though remarkable, have only revealed a fraction of its potential. Each petal is a whisper of possibility, a tribute to growth not yet fully seen, yet deeply rooted in intention and care.

Four firings

Refined through four firings in the historic kilns of Jingdezhen, this host cup mirrors the evolution of Singapore—now shaped by its fourth generation of citizens and leaders. Each kiln cycle fortifies the porcelain, just as each generational shift deepens the nation’s resilience, values, and aspirations. From pioneering founders to modern torchbearers, Singapore’s story is one of continual refinement and renewed purpose. The final firing reveals a piece of luminous strength, reflecting a people united by shared heritage yet forward-looking in spirit. This cup is both an artistic marvel and a tribute to Singapore’s generational journey—resilient, radiant, and ready for what’s next.