Cēla is a conceptual olive oil packaging project that redefines the symbolic and ritualistic value of the olive through a poetic aesthetic experience. Born by the Aegean Sea, it merges cultural memory with minimalist luxury. The glass is transparent, showcasing the purity and richness of the oil, allowing the minimal illustrations to ‘dance’ through the content. The sculptural circular bottle acts as an object-symbol of heritage, inspired by Cycladic figurines and Minoan frescoes. The bottle is embraced by a sculptural wooden base in the shape of the letter ‘C’ – a direct reference to the name – elevating the object to an artistic proposition. Each bottle is protected by four illustrated figures – the Eye, the King, the Spirit of Nature and the Storyteller – each representing a value passed from generation to generation. Beyond its visual elegance, Cēla invites a contemplative interaction – a pause in time that honors the act of sharing and receiving. The experience of handling the object becomes part of a small ceremony, echoing ancestral rituals around the olive tree. The packaging transcends functionality, becoming a medium through which memory is preserved and reinterpreted. By blending past and present, it fosters a quiet dialogue between tradition and contemporary design sensibility, celebrating both everyday use and timeless significance.
Cēla is not merely packaging. It is a cultural artifact – a collectible design piece that embodies sustainability, memory and identity. Materials such as glass and wood are used with ecological integrity. No plastic is involved. Every detail – from the base to the seal – has been chosen to communicate purity, quality and continuity.
The project was developed as an exploration of new storytelling approaches in food packaging design – highlighting ritual, tactility, and identity through a visual and sculptural language.
Cēla transforms olive oil packaging into a modern ritual, blending symbolism, materiality, and sculptural form into a unified experience.