PENADES

Launched at Matter & Shape 2026 in Paris, this new body of work expands Uprooted into a more intimate dimension. Opening a new field of exploration within gastronomy, it shifts focus from the broader landscape of the olive grove to the rituals surrounding the tasting of its primary product: olive oil.

This approach draws from the objects and gestures of professional olive oil tastings. Rather than reproducing standard equipment, the project reinterprets their function through spherical forms made from olive tree wood, the same material from which the oil originates. This shift introduces a material continuity between container and content, grounding the tasting experience on its agricultural context.

Each piece is made from olive tree roots sourced from a firewood supplier. Typically considered a byproduct and destined to be burned, this material is re-signified as a valuable resource. Handcrafted by Spanish woodturner Javier Gordo Manzanero, each root is individually turned through different techniques, resulting in four unique pieces. These variations respond directly to the irregular nature of the material, revealing an adaptive process shaped by the wood itself and guided by the artisan’s hand.

The set consists of four spherical objects. Each piece is calibrated to produce a specific interaction, with variations in scale affecting grip, containment, and the perception of aromas, subtly shaping the tasting experience. Together, they form a cohesive system that combines technical precision with material singularity.