COR is an official ceremonial gift created for Croatia’s presidency of the European Union in 2020 — a thoughtfully designed utility set that invites one to reach the heart of matter. Inspired by the traditional mortar and pestle, COR consists of two pieces: a palm-sized mortar carved from iconic white stone from Brač, and a compatible pestle. The mortar features a built-in slit that intelligently separates herb leaves from twigs, allowing leaves to remain for immediate grinding. This simple but careful mechanism offers a tactile, meditative process of transforming raw herbs into fresh aromas and flavors — bringing nature’s essence straight into everyday life. When not in use, COR doubles as a refined sculptural object, standing in two different orientations and acting as a minimalist décor piece in the home. With its material authenticity, functional precision, and symbolic concept of returning to the “core” (the Latin cor — “heart”), the design blends utility, heritage, and elegance into one meaningful object.

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Client:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia

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Art direction:
Superstudio Design Projects

Product design:

Maja Jandrić

Graphic design & illustration:

Iva Hrvatin

Copywritter:
Rebbeca Mikulandra

Photography credits:

Marija Gašparović

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Year:

2019