# Cork-Propped Crockery The Levante Bowls Get Stability From Quirky Bottle Stopper Stands By Amelia Roblin | Published 2014-03-23 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levante-bowls References: [designspotter](http://www.designspotter.com/product/2014/03/Levante-bowls-by-Alessandro-Zambelli.html) & [alessandrozambelli.it](http://www.alessandrozambelli.it/designstudio/portfolio-item/levante/) While the designer of these Levante Bowls did give the dishes flat bottoms, unconventional additions were made to them, modifying their footing to facilitate a different source of stability. Made from [ceramic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-of-tangible-spaces), the eccentric vessels have each been propped up on one side by the incorporation of a single piece of cork. It isn't just that Alessandro Zambelli used [cork material](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-cork-seating) to make these tiny props; actual [wine bottle stoppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/placemat-hightop-table) -- completed with inked text -- were attached and sloped on one end to become the footing of each item. The wonderfully rounded Levante Bowls don't appear to tip over, however, because of the way that they have been shaped. The rims of the tableware are slanted, becoming perfectly horizontal with the orienting influence of their stands. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 6% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Cork-based Stability:** Exploring the use of cork as a material for providing stability and support in unconventional ways. - **Quirky Functional Design:** Incorporating unconventional and whimsical elements into the design of functional items to enhance their aesthetics and usability. - **Innovative Tableware Design:** Pushing the boundaries of traditional tableware design by incorporating unique features that add both stability and visual appeal to the products. ### Who This Affects Most - **Home Decor:** Opportunity for home decor companies to explore the use of unconventional materials, like cork, to create functional and visually appealing products. - **Kitchenware:** Kitchenware manufacturers can embrace quirky and innovative designs, such as incorporating wine bottle stoppers into the structure of bowls, to differentiate their products in the market. - **Product Design:** Avenues for product designers to experiment with unconventional elements and materials to create unique and disruptive designs that attract consumer attention. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Active Sitting Cork Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ylin-stool.md) - [Cork Coaster-Integrated Coffee Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polka-coffee-table.md) - [Grainy Cork Furniture Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clover-collection-2.md) - [Cork-Made Occasional Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-tk.md) - [Stackable Cork-Like Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drum-stool-1.md) - [Cork Bathroom Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bathroom-seating.md) - [Modular Architectural Wine Racks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barrique-bottle-holder.md) - [Sustainable Chrome Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cork-collection.md) - [Terrazzo Side Table Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balance-side-table.md)