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Eastern Archaic Influence
11th December 2011,
From a small village in the Yuhang area, China, birthed the concept of “Pin Wu”
INSPIRER_INNOVO DESIGN
DESIGNERS_ZHANG LEI, JOHN CHRISTOPH AND JOVANA BOGDANOVIC
Back in August 2010, on a trip to Yuhang, China, Zhang Lei happened to come across four craftsmen intricately assembling original Yuhang paper umbrellas. Production of these delicate sunshades was once thought extinct, as they were too heavy, low-quality and old-fashion for modern days. Luckily, Lei was drawn to the umbrella’s adeptness and committed to altering the perception in which they are viewed. For two months, he and his team moved to the small village, and acquired the skills and techniques necessary to apply into new designs.
PIAO – PAPER CHAIR
Showcased in Salone Satellite Milan 2011
(Milan Furniture Fair), Piao is constructed through the process of gluing. By layering handmade paper made of natural fiber, the chair is strong enough to take occupants, yet retains its flexibility and softness.
WU – LAMP
The only thing used in this design that is not natural is the bulb itself. A natural lighting device that utilizes the same philosophy and materials as the traditional umbrella, its frame is made of natural bamboo and covered by rice paper.
NA – TRASH BIN
PIAO – PAPER CHAIR
With partnering designer, Wang Sheng Hai, the Xuan lamp employs the handicraft of a master craftsman to slice a special kind of bamboo found only in the Sichuan province. When the lights go on, a dream-like cascade of shadows fills the room and creates curvatures against the wall as if a light breeze is dancing by.
YING – UMBRELLA
CHAO – PAPER STORAGE
Designed with all the small little things in life in mind, Chao’s exterior is made of wood; its interior of rice paper. When folded, it takes the illusion of a small notebook; when expanded, pockets are revealed that can be filled.
INNOVO Design is located in Hangzhou, China. Its designs and brands are winners of 16 international awards, including IF product design of 2011 and Reddot 2011.
