TWIST: A Unique Dinner Set Blending Yin and Yang

Intertwining Round and Square Elements for a Harmonious Design

Chinese designer Chelsea Chen creates a dinner set that beautifully combines the concepts of round and square, earth and heaven, Yin and Yang.

Inspired by the ancient Chinese theory of "a square earth and spherical heavens," Chelsea Chen's TWIST dinner set showcases the harmony and contradiction between these two fundamental concepts. The design draws from the idea that round represents heaven and square represents earth, as well as the theory of Yin and Yang.

The TWIST dinner set features a unique twist style chopsticks, bowl, and plate. The bowl seamlessly transitions from round to square, symbolizing the interplay between heaven and earth. On the other hand, the plate twists from square to round and includes a groove to hold the chopsticks, providing a convenient and ergonomic dining experience.

Made using Chinese celadon or Shigaraki Ceramic, the TWIST dinner set exudes elegance and sophistication. The colors are inspired by traditional Chinese celadon, celeste glaze, and cowpea red glaze, adding a touch of cultural richness to the design.

Measuring at 180mm in width, 180mm in depth, and 80mm in height, the TWIST dinner set is a perfect blend of form and function. Its unique properties and twist design make it stand out from other dinner sets, offering a visually striking and functional addition to any dining table.

When the entire TWIST dinner set is placed together, it showcases the differences and harmony between round and square elements. The groove on the plate allows for the horizontal placement of the chopsticks, making it easier for diners to pick them up. This thoughtful design detail adds a humanized touch to the dining experience.

The TWIST dinner set project commenced in July 2016 in Zhuhai and was completed in February 2017 in Guangzhou. Throughout the design process, Chelsea Chen conducted extensive research on Cultural and Creative products, aiming to create a design that connects with people's daily lives. The TWIST dinner set achieves this by blending traditional Chinese concepts with modern aesthetics.

Recognized for its innovative and creative design, the TWIST dinner set was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2017. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

Chelsea Chen's TWIST dinner set is not only a functional and visually appealing addition to any dining table but also a testament to the rich cultural heritage of ancient Chinese philosophy.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Li Chen
Image Credits: Li Chen
Project Team Members: Chelsea Chen
Project Name: Twist
Project Client: Li Chen


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