China’s Spectacular Molten Metal “Fireworks”

A 500-year-old Lunar New Year ritual in Nuanquan, China (a short span, considering the nation has celebrated the holiday for 3,800 years), Da Shuhua involves Chinese blacksmiths tossing molten iron at an icy door to create a riveting shower of sparks. The name translates to “beating down the tree flowers,” which refers to an agricultural practice that stimulates growth in fruit-bearing plants. It was developed as a …

CAKE’s First Street Legal Bike: Kalk&

A design delight for the daily commute or an off-road adventure

Influenced by downhill and enduro mountain bikes, the Kalk& (from Swedish brand CAKE) might be based on utilitarian creations, but it looks like something from another world. This is CAKE‘s first street legal electric motorcycle (in Europe and the US) and, with that, comes a super-light ride that can easily take you off-road. Unlike its predecessor, the off-road Kalk OR, this new iteration features mirrors, a license …

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Design-forward and thoughtful presents for your favorite people

Whether you’re opposed, ambivalent, oblivious or obsessed with Valentine’s Day, giving the perfect gift to somebody you care about is an undeniably satisfying experience. Eschewing the teddy bears and chocolates, and even the red color theme or traditionally romantic presents, we have put together a selection of some of our favorite products for readers to offer their partners, friends, family—or themselves. While there might be …