Cookplay introduces Oceancook, a porcelain tableware collection aimed at highlighting the critical situation of endangered marine life in the Mediterranean and supporting conservation efforts.

The Oceanográfic Valencia Foundation, which undertakes marine fauna conservation and protection projects for numerous endangered species, had long wanted to create household items representing these species.

Their technical teams had access to a database of valuable information about the species, but needed someone to synthesise these requirements.

From the first meeting, a spark ignited a special synergy between both teams, as they shared information and enthusiasm. Their starting point was to answer this question: Can we represent a specific marine species in a way that also functions as tableware?

The goal wasn’t to simply imitate the species, nor about representing their caricatures in drawings. Instead, the aim was to capture the essence, the unique soul of each species, and create sculptural pieces suitable for a gastronomic experience. Observing each species alive, watching their expressions as they swam and moved, was key to the final design selections.

The sinuous movements and varied forms of rays made them ideal for the core of the collection of four basic plates (flat, deep, dessert, and side).

Other species were chosen to fulfil different functions. The small seahorse easily translated into a small oil bowl. The long, serpentine body of the eel, coiled vertically, inspired the design of the glasses and bowls. The iconic tusk of the great white shark was chosen for a lidded vessel.

“Throughout the process, I was inspired by the sensory aspects of each species and their powerful visual presence, finding a formal symbiosis with our organic style,” says CEO and Design Director Ana Roquero. “The resulting design is more than just a representation of endangered species for fundraising; it’s a Cookplay collection, embodying the brand’s commitment to quality, both in the porcelain material and its adaptation to gastronomic formats.”

Cookplay will donate one euro for every Oceancook collection purchase. However, the project’s most significant contribution is the message it sends, raising awareness about the alarming situation of species in our oceans.