How Pesut by Fakhri Murad Turns a Sip of Coffee into a Smoother, Slower Moment

Not all mugs are born equal. Some simply hold coffee, others whisper stories. Pesut is one of the latter. Created by Fakhri Murad, the 2019 Indonesia Brewers Cup Champion featuring Boger, Pesut was shaped not only by clay but also by years of brewing experience and thoughtful intention. 

Pesut Mug by Fakhri Murad

At first glance, it might seem like just another handmade cup, but turn it over and you’ll find the soft curve of a river dolphin’s head staring back at you. This is about grounding an object in meaning, however subtle, and letting that meaning travel with every sip. 

Why did you choose the name Pesut? Is there any personal meaning you associate with it, beyond its visual and regional references?

I chose the name Pesut because of the shape of the mug. When you turn it upside down, it reminds me of the silhouette of a Pesut Mahakam’s face: round. But it’s not just about the shape. 

The Pesut Mahakam is an endemic species from East Kalimantan, and it's now critically endangered. So through this name, I also hope to help keep the word “pesut” alive and remembered.

For me, this isn’t just about branding. A name can be a reminder that design can have context. That everyday objects like mugs can be connected to their place of origin, and can become a small way to keep fading local stories alive.

The design of this mug was first created in 2020 and refined again in 2025. What has changed over those five years, and what motivated you to revisit it now?

When I first made it in 2020, I was mainly thinking about form and basic comfort for drinking manual brew coffee. But over time, I realized that a mug can also be a tool for communication.

FAKHRI MURAD - 2019 Indonesia Brewers Cup Champion

The 2025 version is more refined—in proportions, finish, and even how the coffee flows into your mouth. What pushed me to revisit Pesut was the availability of sensory research and my six years of experience in brewers cup competitions. Also, it’s my way of contributing to the industry.

You mentioned that the mug resembles a dolphin when turned upside down. Was that an intentional design from the start, or did it emerge during the process?

To be honest, I didn’t think of it at first. But when the first prototype came out and I flipped it over to check the firing result, I suddenly thought, “Wait, this really looks like a pesut’s head.”

That moment made me rethink the design and actually fall more in love with it. So you could say it was a small gift from the design process—not planned from the start, but it turned out just right.

You emphasize the experience of sipping coffee and aroma optimization. What’s your philosophy on how a mug should shape someone’s coffee-drinking experience?

I see a mug not just as a container, but as a kind of vehicle—carrying the coffee as its passenger to its final destination: our tongue and senses.

If the vehicle is comfortable, the shape supportive, and the path smooth, the passenger arrives safely—in this case, meaning the taste and aroma are delivered intact, as the brewer intended.

Pesut Mug was designed with that awareness. Its flared mouth helps the aroma rise more effectively, the narrower middle maintains temperature stability, and the glossy lip allows the liquid to flow gently. Everything is crafted so the coffee can “arrive” at the tongue in its best condition, allowing the drinker to enjoy every moment with full mindfulness.

Tell us a bit about the collaboration process with Boger. How did this partnership influence the final version of Pesut?

Mbak Penika and her studio, Boger, are long-time friends who deeply understand ceramics and the uniqueness of the material. For the 2025 version, I brought a draft of the shape and its underlying philosophy, and together we explored the best technical details—from balance points and wall thickness to the glossy lip finish.

It was a collaboration built on trust. I brought the intention, she brought the craftsmanship. The result is something functionally mature, yet with a personal touch from two minds working in harmony.

Words like comfort, pause, and “smiling curves” come up often in the description. How do you design a product that’s not just functional but also emotionally warm?

Designing a mug isn’t just about visual appeal—it’s also about how our bodies and senses interact with it. Pesut was created with clear technical foundations: the rounded base adds stability and retains heat, while the wide top helps capture coffee aromas more effectively.

Beyond that, I paid close attention to the emotional response when someone holds the mug. Smooth contours, balanced proportions, and the silky feel of the lip—all are designed to make the coffee-drinking experience feel more intimate and enjoyable.

The design is intentionally approachable. Not too serious, but still thoughtful. I believe good function creates a sense of closeness, and from there, emotional warmth can emerge.

Why did you choose pink? In your opinion, how much does color affect the experience of drinking coffee—particularly in the context of Pesut?

I chose pink because it brings a soft, calming feel—aligned with Pesut’s philosophy of slow, mindful coffee moments.

Psychologically, pink is often associated with feelings of safety, emotional warmth, and empathy. A study by Jonauskaite et al. (2019) found that pink is consistently linked to positive emotions like calmness and affection. This matters, because the coffee experience isn’t just about taste—it’s also about mood.

By choosing pink, I hoped that even before the first sip, the mug already conveys a message: you’re holding something warm, gentle, and personal. Color becomes the first sensory element to greet you—then form and texture carry on the story—until it’s finally the coffee’s turn to speak.

What kind of coffee—and what kind of moment—do you think suits Pesut best?

Pesut is best suited for coffees with complex aromas, elegant flavor profiles, and smooth mouthfeel. Varieties like Geisha or coffees processed using gentle washed or natural methods are great examples.

In my view, Pesut is perfect for moments when you want to truly focus on enjoying coffee—during cupping follow-ups, recipe testing, or simply savoring a single brew in peace. Don’t forget to get one—and be part of Pesut’s story! 

________

All photo by Fakhri Murad for Hudes Magazine