Lotus: A Modern Take on Ming Dynasty Elegance

Ming Li Chang's Guest Chair Wins Silver at A' Design Award

The 'Lotus' guest chair, conceived by the visionary Ming Li Chang, stands as a testament to the enduring influence of historical design. Drawing inspiration from a unique folding chair of the Ming Dynasty, once a symbol of status for itinerant government officials, 'Lotus' reinterprets this archetype for today's discerning audience. The chair's design captures the essence of the ceremonial seat, with an innovative lap joint and a striking contrast finish that pays homage to its storied predecessor.

Distinctive in its aesthetic, 'Lotus' transcends mere furniture to become a conduit of cultural expression. The chair's design philosophy is rooted in the Chinese idiom that likens the lotus flower's emergence from mud to purity and virtue. It is this symbolism that Chang seeks to infuse into every curve and joint of the chair, aiming to evoke feelings of kindness, warmth, and generosity in those who encounter it.

The realization of 'Lotus' is a triumph of traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing techniques. Crafted in China, the chair employs age-old wood joinery methods, ensuring a seamless and robust construction. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in the chair's precise dimensions—530 mm in width, 550 mm in depth, and 728 mm in height, with a seat height of 475 mm—tailored to provide comfort and style.

Chang's collaboration with skilled artisans and manufacturers was pivotal in overcoming the challenges of prototyping and perfecting the structural joinery. The design process, which spanned from October 2022 in Los Angeles to March 2023 in Shanghai, was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and fidelity to the original Ming Dynasty design ethos.

The 'Lotus' chair's journey culminated in a significant accolade: the Silver A' Design Award in 2024. This award celebrates the chair's creative ingenuity, professional execution, and the emotional resonance it brings to spaces it inhabits. As a Silver A' Design Award winner, 'Lotus' is recognized for its superior design quality and its ability to inspire awe and admiration.

In conclusion, Ming Li Chang's 'Lotus' is more than a piece of furniture—it is a cultural artifact reborn for the modern era. Its success at the A' Furniture Design Award underscores the timeless appeal of designs that honor their heritage while boldly stepping into the future. 'Lotus' is a chair that invites not just to be seen, but to be experienced, offering a seat of honor in the narrative of design evolution.