Yael Awards | Handmade Ceramic Trophies for the Yael Foundation

The Yael Awards trophies are handmade ceramic pieces for the annual Yael Foundation Awards ceremony. The awards are crafted from ceramic and decorated with 24K gold, inspired by the foundation’s new logo.

The Yael Foundation works to strengthen Jewish education worldwide, supporting initiatives that empower educators, students, and communities.

The foundation’s annual award ceremony serves as a global stage to honor excellence and visionary leadership in Jewish education. We are immensely proud that our bespoke creations were chosen to represent this distinguished recognition and to be part of such a meaningful international celebration

For the awards ceremony we were commissioned to design and produce the trophies that would be presented to the recipients. Each award was handcrafted in our Tel Aviv studio and finished with delicate 24K gold detailing, creating an elegant object suited to the significance of the event.

The Process: From Graphic Vision to Sculptural Reality

The design of the award was based on the foundation’s new logo. While the logo exists as a two-dimensional graphic symbol, translating it into a three-dimensional object required careful design thinking. Graphic design can move freely across a flat surface, but a sculptural object must respond to volume, structure, stability, and the physical presence of material.

Throughout the process, we explored different ways to interpret the logo in ceramic while preserving its visual identity. This journey from concept to reality involved a sophisticated fusion of modern technology and traditional artistry.

Digital Modeling & Precision Mold Making

To bridge the gap between 2D and 3D, we first developed a precise digital model using 3D software. This was then 3D-printed to create a physical prototype, from which we cast professional plaster molds. In the world of ceramics, the mold must be flawless; its perfection directly dictates the quality of the final object and the level of intricate hand-refining required later.

Hand-Refining & Initial Firing

Using the slip-casting technique, we poured liquid clay into the molds. Once set, each piece underwent a meticulous hand-finishing process. Using delicate knives, sponges, and water, we smoothed every curve and edge to achieve a perfect surface before the initial "Bisque" firing in the kiln.

Meticulous Pigmentation & Glazing

To mirror the logo's clean identity, we utilized custom masking techniques. This allowed for extreme precision, applying the signature blue pigment exactly where intended. Following this, we again used masks to apply the glaze to the sections destined for gold. While the glaze appears green before firing, it emerges from the kiln as a crystal-clear, protective glass layer.

The Final Touch: 24K Gold Luster

The crowning moment of the process was the hand-application of 24K gold. Using a fine-tipped brush, we painted the gold luster over the glazed areas. In its raw state, the gold appears as a dark brown paste, revealing its brilliant, shimmering identity only after the final "Luster" firing.

The result is a handmade ceramic award that reflects both the foundation’s visual language and the design philosophy of our studio - material precision and meticulous craftsmanship. The 24K gold detailing and the individuality of each piece give the awards a strong presence and lasting meaning.

The Art of Presentation: Bespoke Packaging

To complement the prestige of the awards, we curated a complete, high-end packaging experience. Each piece was housed in a sophisticated, custom-made box designed for elegance and protection.

We paid meticulous attention to the final details, from high-quality printed graphics that flawlessly integrated the foundation’s branding, to color-coordinated ribbons that added a final touch of luxury. This holistic approach ensured that from the moment of unboxing, the recipient felt the full weight and significance of the honor being bestowed.

Israeli Design and Craftsmanship

Choosing to work with an Israeli design studio was a natural and thoughtful decision for an organization such as the Yael Foundation. The project focused on translating the visual language of the foundation’s logo into a meaningful three-dimensional object. As with many of our commissioned design projects, the process combined product design thinking with hands-on ceramic craftsmanship, resulting in custom handmade ceramic awards created entirely in our Tel Aviv studio.

Designing and producing the trophies locally allows each piece to reflect both the identity of the organization and the authenticity of contemporary Israeli craftsmanship.