Equal parts decorative and utilitarian, a sturdy, melon-shaped pot has quietly stood as an enduring symbol of luxury pewterhouse Royal Selangor, with roots dating to as early as 1885, as one of founder and pewtersmith Yong Koon’s original designs. Complete with twelve segments and a realistic lid stem, the objet d’art is crafted from individually cut pewter sheets and carefully hammered into shape before being soldered together. More than its intricate craftsmanship, what has made it all the more special is the mysticism associated with the Melon Pot. 

When villagers of Kajang scrambled for food and resources from a warehouse during World War 2, a man named Ah Ham emerged with a melon-shaped teapot. After narrowly dodging a piece of shrapnel that whizzed above his head when he bent to pick up the object, he became convinced that the Melon Pot was blessed with magical powers that kept him safe. With the intention of polishing the pot after years of use, the pewter factory immediately recognised the Ngeok Foh touchmark on the bottom and persuaded Ah Ham to sell it for a small sum. A rarity in itself, as pewterware is commonly melted down into new objects for weddings, the original Melon Pot now finds itself in Royal Selangor’s archives — a full-circle journey that embodies history, legacy and mythicism. 

As Royal Selangor embraces its 140th year, the Melon Pot unveils another layer, etched by master engraver Johnny Dowell, best known as King Nerd. Through his craftsmanship, a 1-of-1, never-to-be-released version of the Melon Pot has been embellished with an intricate spread of foliage that envelops the entire circumference of the pot. The sliced melon appears as a recurring motif, paying homage to its namesake. Having partnered with industry juggernauts like Leica, Jaguar, Land Rover, and a sold-out collaboration with Dr. Martens, King Nerd has adorned prominent designs of the modern era with precise engravings that not only evoke a sense of collectability but also tell a vivid story. Early training at James Purdey & Sons, the royal gunmakers, has equipped him with a rare fluency in the language of craft. 

In late November last year, the Royal Selangor x King Nerd Melon Pot was on display at the brand’s Battersea Power Station flagship store in London, accompanied by a live art installation. Guests who purchased a Melon Pot were also gifted a signed print featuring the very design that adorns the 1-of-1 piece.