Cruel Coral is a playful reinterpretation of the Pythagorean cup concept, turned into a coral-shaped vessel. At first, you can fill it with water as you would with any ordinary cup — but beware: hidden inside is a siphon mechanism that empties the entire coral once you exceed the critical limit. This makes it both an educational tool to demonstrate the ancient principle of the Pythagorean cup, and also a fun social game. Gather some friends in a circle, take turns pouring small amounts of water into the coral, and pass it around. Whoever crosses the hidden threshold must place the coral over their head and accept the “punishment” as the coral drains on them. Both decorative and mischievous, this piece embodies curiosity, science, and play.