Project #77Teacups is a growing collection of 77 teacups. From the elegant classic teacup to the modern giant mug and everything in between. I showed seven families of seven teacups during Dutch Design Week in the Schellensfabriek, reflecting contemporary tea habits.

77 has a special meaning in many cultures and religions. This number imagines, among other things, Resilience, Intuition, Awakening, Perfection, and Life Essence. It symbolizes the magic that can arise during tea drinking.

In almost all cultures, tea drinking is surrounded by small rituals and togetherness. Drinking tea together invites conversation, listening to each other, and connecting – something we desperately need in these times.

Significance of  77 

77 started as a random number, I lived on 77 and just liked the number. First it was meant for me to experiment while creating. Finding my own design-language again. Later I found a world of meanings behind the number 77. I used 77 as a magic layer over the different teacups by giving them names that direct to 77. My hope is that You can feel the meaning of the teacup. Remember it at the right moment while drinking tea.

Why more Teacups?

At this moment I am at Teacup 49, also a beautiful number as 7 times 7. The growing collection has a distinct design element* that connects it all together. My challenge lies in making these come all together. Looking, seeing, adjusting designs and molds, making choices. All cups stay as a part of 77. A smaller part I make in a few sub-collections for sale.

{*the little moon inside the cups and on the plates and saucers}

My personal journey: Making this collection was a great Joy. The process helped me to step back in my strength and grow as a designer. To finish it means on a personal level the one thing 77 stands for: completeness. 17 years ago I wanted to start making this collection. But through a fall from the stairs I went on a different journey that deepened my views. Today I am proud to finally introduce this collection.

What's next?

77Teacups is an ongoing project. I will add more insights in the coming weeks. Join me on Instagram or keep an eye on this page!

My very first teacup Resilience: https://hannakerkhof.nl/2026/01/29/a-teacup-named-resilience/