Taiwan Imagery

Chair

The Taiwan Imagery chair, designed by Yi-Ju Tseng, is a unique fusion of traditional Taiwanese culture and modern design. Inspired by the KA-TSI bag, a traditional knitted bag made with bulrush, and the Tai-Shi Chair, a classical Chinese wooden fauteuil, this chair reinterprets and re-presents these cultural elements to create a new and innovative piece of furniture.

What sets the Taiwan Imagery chair apart is its incorporation of traditional Taiwanese craftsmanship and materials. The KA-TSI bag, traditionally used by Taiwanese, is incorporated into the design, adding a touch of cultural heritage. The chair also takes inspiration from the Tai-Shi Chair, a piece of furniture commonly found in early Taiwanese homes. By combining these two elements, the designer has created a chair that not only pays homage to tradition but also showcases the beauty of Taiwanese culture.

The Taiwan Imagery chair is made using a combination of bulrush and aluminum. The use of bulrush, a material traditionally used in the making of the KA-TSI bag, adds a unique texture and visual appeal to the chair. Aluminum is used for the frame, providing strength and stability. The chair measures 500mm x 980mm x 710mm, making it suitable for various spaces and settings.

One of the key features of the Taiwan Imagery chair is its ease of assembly and transportation. The chair is divided into three parts - the back, cushion, and legs - which can be easily assembled using screws. This design allows for easy transportation and also simplifies the manufacturing process.

The Taiwan Imagery chair project started in Turin in October 2022 and was completed in Taiwan in December 2022. Throughout the design process, the designer faced challenges in achieving the desired curvature of the chair. To overcome this, a mold was used to control the shape and ensure accuracy.

Designers believe that preserving and promoting traditional cultures is of utmost importance in a world that is becoming increasingly homogeneous. The Taiwan Imagery chair serves as a testament to this belief, breathing new life and soul into traditional Taiwanese culture through aesthetic expression. By fusing the bags used in traditional Taiwanese culture with the chairs used in early Taiwanese homes, the designer has recreated their value and created a piece of furniture that is not only functional but also tells a story.

The Taiwan Imagery chair was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2023. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Taiwan Imagery chair stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world through its fulfillment and positive impact.