When Christoph John, a German designer, teamed up with Chinese artisans in 2012, they didn’t just make a chair – they sparked a cultural revolution. Their creation, Piao, crafted using ancient Yuhang oil-paper umbrella techniques, snagged the top prize at Milan’s prestigious Furniture Fair. Talk about #DesignGoals! 🏆
The secret sauce? Borrowing from one of China’s intangible cultural heritages. Imagine turning delicate umbrella paper – a material designed to repel rain – into a sturdy, sculptural seat. 💡 'It’s like rewriting the rules of tradition,' said John, whose collab proved that centuries-old methods can fuel tomorrow’s innovations.
This isn’t just furniture – it’s a bridge between eras and continents. From Zhejiang Province’s workshops to Milan’s global stage, Piao shows how heritage crafts can slay in modern design. Who knew a humble umbrella could become… art you sit on? 👀
