Reborn: A Unique Wooden Vase with Metal Inlaying Techniques

Transforming Leftover Wood into Artistic Masterpieces

Chu Jou, Yu Hsuan, Fan Xuan, and Ching Ching, a talented team of designers, have taken the concept of recycling to a whole new level with their latest creation, Reborn. This stunning wooden vase showcases their mastery of metal inlaying techniques and their commitment to sustainability.

The inspiration for Reborn came from the team's discovery of leftover wood from furniture making. Instead of letting it go to waste, they decided to combine their metalworking skills with the wood through intricate inlaying techniques. Unlike traditional metal inlaying, which is often flat and purely decorative, Chu Jou, Yu Hsuan, Fan Xuan, and Ching Ching aimed to create something unique and meaningful.

The wooden vase features a three-dimensional spherical wood surface adorned with a pattern inlaid with brass wire. The wire follows the natural grain of the wood, with some extending out like the roots of a seed. This not only adds structural support to the vase but also symbolizes the cycle of life. The flowing metal root shape gives the piece a sense of vitality, resembling a moving organism.

Reborn is not only a work of art but also a functional piece. The holes on the vase contain glass containers that can be filled with water to grow aquatic plants, resembling germinating seeds. It can also be used as a standalone art piece or decorated with other items.

The realization of Reborn involves a combination of craftsmanship and technology. The wooden vase is made from teak wood, brass, and glass. The wood is shaped using a lathe, and the metal inlaying is done by hand. The surface is meticulously polished and dyed, with multiple layers of transparent protective paint applied to prevent oxidation of the brass.

Reborn comes in various shapes and sizes, including round, gourd-shaped, eggplant-shaped, and elliptical seeds. Each piece is meticulously crafted to highlight the beauty of the wood and the metal inlaying.

The project began in June 2021 and was completed in Tainan, Taiwan, in March 2022. The designers conducted extensive research on technology and art, exploring planar tessellation techniques and analyzing process technology and materials. They overcame challenges such as ensuring the stability of the metal on the curved wood surface and preventing the wire ends from curling up.

Reborn has received recognition for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2023. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate innovation, practicality, and adherence to professional and industrial standards.

Chu Jou, Yu Hsuan, Fan Xuan, and Ching Ching have truly created something remarkable with Reborn. Their ability to transform leftover wood into artistic masterpieces showcases their talent and commitment to sustainable design. With its unique combination of wood and metal, Reborn is a testament to the beauty that can be found in repurposed materials.