Iselwa is included in the exhibition of works by the finalists in the city of Jingdezhen, known as the porcelain capital of China. A total of 41 finalists were selected from 1,325 entries globally. Initiated by the World Crafts Council (WCC), the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) and the Jingdezhen Creative Design Center, the 2025 Jingdezhen Prize was announced on 17 October. The award encourages creators to reinterpret ceramic art traditions through a contemporary lens and promotes the integration of ceramic crafts into a cross-cultural context, highlighting the important role of ceramic art in today's cultural landscape.

Fani’s hand-coiled and carved vessel draws directly from the functional and symbolic role of the calabash – a traditional container historically used to carry and store grains, water, milk, or fermented beverages (such as amasi). In rural South African households, the iselwa has long served both practical and ceremonial purposes, often associated with nourishment, preservation and social gatherings.

The work stands as a tribute to traditional craftsmanship – a bridge between past and present, utility and artistry. Fani revives and reimagines a deeply rooted African legacy, infusing it with a contemporary voice while preserving the spiritual and cultural integrity of the original form.