Electric tea kettle c. 1908 - 1909

Peter Behrens crafted this electric tea kettle from brass, wood, and copper. The octagonal shape of the kettle is a striking geometric form, evoking a sense of order and modernity. Yet, the octagon has deeper roots. In many cultures, it represents transition, a bridge between the square, symbolizing earth, and the circle, symbolizing heaven. Consider the ancient Roman temples, often octagonal, dedicated to Janus, the god of beginnings and passages. This form is more than just a visual choice; it is a potent symbol of transformation. Here, the kettle is a vessel for change—cold water made hot, mundane moments elevated through ritual. The kettle's geometric rigidity and the transformative power of its function engages us on a profound level. The enduring power of simple shapes to echo through history, resurfacing in new forms.