Lady Zhen: A Fusion of Leather and Lacquer

A Unique Decorative Object by Szu-Ti Feng

Renowned designer Szu-Ti Feng has created a truly unique decorative object called Lady Zhen. This exquisite piece combines the ancient crafts of leather and lacquer to depict the feminine virtue, gentle nature, and fortitude of Chinese women. Inspired by the Chinese myth presented in the poem and painting, "Luo Shen Fu," Lady Zhen captures the mystique and beauty of women, a theme that runs through much of Cao Zhi's work.

The design of Lady Zhen is characterized by its intricate details and careful balance of materials. The inner garment, made of vegetable-tanned leather, features lifelike roses and classical satin neck ties, creating a romantic and elegant look. The outer bamboo casing is meticulously painted with layers upon layers of lacquer, resulting in a rich and vibrant pattern. The contrast between the softness of leather and the hardness of lacquer adds depth and complexity to the design.

The realization of Lady Zhen required a combination of traditional techniques and artistic vision. The bamboo casing underwent a year-long natural drying process to infuse the work with its unique characteristics. It was then repeatedly painted, polished, and layered with colorful lacquer to achieve the desired result. The inner garment, on the other hand, was sculpted, carved, dyed, glued, and polished using well-known leather craft techniques.

Measuring 32cm in height and 21cm in width, the bamboo casing provides a stunning backdrop for the 50cm tall and 21cm wide inner garment. These two complementary components can be arranged together or apart, allowing for versatile and decorative touches in any space.

Lady Zhen was created by Szu-Ti Feng in Taipei, Taiwan, between January 2017 and February 2018. The project presented several challenges, including the cross-pollination of leather craft and lacquer, the contrast between soft and hard mediums, and the integration of the abstract feminine qualities into a physical object. However, through years of experience and a deep understanding of both crafts, Szu-Ti Feng successfully overcame these obstacles and created a truly remarkable piece of art.

Lady Zhen has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2018. This award recognizes designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contribute to quality of life improvements, and make the world a better place. Lady Zhen's fusion of leather and lacquer, its homage to Chinese mythology, and its celebration of feminine beauty make it a truly exceptional and captivating decorative object.