The collaboration between Malaysian pewter icon Royal Selangor and British master-engraver King Nerd (Johnny Dowell) is something different than usual. Royal Selangor is celebrating its 140th anniversary and King Nerd is pushing more boundaries than ever this year. Together the two teamed up on a never to be released rendition of the Melon Teapot, the iconic pewter originally created by the company’s founder Yong Koon. Over the weekend of 29-30 November 2025, Royal Selangor’s London flagship store in Battersea Power Station will host the unveiling. On Saturday from 12:00-16:00 GMT, King Nerd shall be showcasing his eye for meticulous detail during an in-store live art install.
The Melon Teapot
The Melon Teapot holds a unique and special place in Royal Selangor’s archives and in pewter history. Founded in Kuala Lumpur in 1885 by Yong Koon, who began as a young pewtersmitj emigrating from Shantou in Guangdong, the company originally produced ceremonial wares, incense burners and ritual objects, later expanding into tea services and decorative objects.
One of the most remarkable stories in the brand’s history is the survival of a melon-shaped teapot made in the early 20th century, which was rescued during the Second World War by a villager named Ah Ham, who emerged alive after clutching the pot as bombs fell. That pot, later identified by its Ngeok Foh touchmaek was returned to Royal Selangor’s collection.
King Nerd: The Best at Engraving
Johnny Dowell’s journey, under the name King Nerd began as an apprentice engraver at London’s elite gunmaker James Purdey & Sons, training for five years before eventually leading the engraving workshop for 15 years. From engraving firearms and luxury timepieces King Nerd moved into collaborations with Dr Martens, Jaguar, Land Rover and many more.
The core of this collaboration with Royal Selangor isn’t getting a limited release, rather it stays a 1-of-1. He engraved a intricate pattern of foliage meeting sliced melon, repeated around the full circumference of the pot. The handles remain untouched, to keep the original form.
For those attending the unveiling 35 signed Oditi prints of the engraved motif will be offered with the purchase of an original Melon Teapot. Each signed print is worth £150.
Launch Details
The King Nerd x Royal Selangor collaboration launches over the weekend of 29–30 November 2025 at:
Royal Selangor London Flagship Store
30 Ground Floor, The Power Station
Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms
London SW11 8BU
On Saturday 29 November, from 12:00 to 16:00 GMT, King Nerd shall be showcasing his eye for meticulous detail during an in-store live art install. During the event, 35 individually signed Oditi prints featuring the teapot’s motif will be accessible with purchase of an original Melon Teapot (print valued £150+). The one-off Melon Teapot itself will be displayed on both days.
