Pauline Béguin, founder of the woodworking atelier Blok, partnered with French niche spice company Épices Shira to create a bespoke spice coffret using both traditional and contemporary woodworking techniques. The intricately executed coffret was designed to take users on a sensory journey while discovering its 25 carefully hidden spices.
For her Métiers d'Arts diploma in cabinet-making, Pauline Béguin opted for spices to convey “the living memory” theme of her project, which led to a partnership with Épices Shira to create a bespoke piece of cabinetry. Béguin used 3D modelling before transforming her design concept to reality and opted for a strongly colored exterior that doesn’t unveil its contents on first glance. The black and orange exterior of the spice coffret recalls Épices Shira's flagship colors, while the structure of the case is plated in dark ebony wood from Gabon.
The linen-covered sycamore veneer lid bears an intricate laser-cut pattern - "inspired by India", which releases spice aromas and allows for flexibility while opening the coffret. A natural dyeing process using turmeric was employed to stain the wooden veneer orange.
While the coffret’s exterior was designed to spark interest regarding the contents, the interior showcases a more elaborate approach to woodworking. With the help of Épices Shira co-founder Roï Hendel, Béguin presented 25 spices across four spice families stored in designated drawers. Using 30 pieces of solid ash wood, Béguin created a sloping plane to highlight six most-used spices, including cinnamon, clove, turmeric and nutmeg.
Thanks to a system of magnets, the glass spice jars can be rearranged to suit each user’s habits. To hide the rest of the spices, Béguin designed four presentation drawers made of walnut and solid ash bearing mnemonic brass chips marking different spice families present in the coffret. Using a vectorization software to design and a modelling software to execute, the brass chips were engraved with a different drawing corresponding to the designated spice family name – a wind swirl logo for the Fresh Wind spices originating in Nepal; a sunset behind dunes for Desert Sun spices; a mill logo for the Mixtures family and finally, the logo of Épices Shira for the accessories drawer.
To facilitate spice tastings, presentation drawers can be removed from the coffret and used to display the entire range of spices nestled in a protective foam made with a digital milling machine. The last drawer houses accessories such as a mill, a grater, spoons and napkins, and hides a special compartment which opens by pressing the brass chip affixed to the front of the drawer. Inspired by old spice cases, the hidden compartment hides the most rare and precious of spices – saffron. “Spices are magnificent vectors of stimulation for the senses!” concludes Béguin.
Designer Pauline Béguin (left); Épices Shira Co-founder Roï Hendel (right)
Designer Pauline Béguin (left); Épices Shira Co-founder Roï Hendel (right)
CoffretPauline Béguin
