'yii' is a taiwan's original craft design brand. its name is derived from the word 'yi'
which in taiwanese philosophy means 'change and transformation', and is believed to be
the underlying law behind nature. 'yii' is an initiative of the taiwan craft research institute,
whose aim is to encourage the taiwanese people to cultivate a great appreciation of the crafts,
to bring beauty into life, and seek greater international exchanges related to these traditional
production practices.

dutch designer gijs bakker was invited to be the creative director. under his direction,
these newest works focus on the revival of the increasingly extinct taiwanese craft in contemporary,
exploring methods of bamboo work, ceramic, fine silver works, lacquerware, wood carving
and other ancient craft processes, teaming up taiwanese designers with local craftsmen.
there is also a particular focus on 'green' manufacturing methods, assuring sustainability
and high quality production.



bowl
image © designboom


brick is one of the symbols of taiwanese culture, influenced by the dutch and their colonization
of the asian country during the 17th-century. taiwanese designer rock wang teamed-up
with craft artist pei-ze chen on the project 'brick plan', a collection of vessels made from brick
that includes a bowl, vase and tray.



detail
image © designboom


each of the pieces is created by carving out of a block of the industrial building material.
the vases and bowls are achieved through an industrial technique.





bowl




vase
image © designboom






vases




detail of the layered bricks




display of tray and vase at the 'yii' exhibition held at the triennale museum, milan
image © designboom




tray
image © designboom


the 'brick plan' tray is also made from a block of brick, however it is carved out by hand.



tray




detail of the tray which is hand carved to achieve its form

a presentation of 'yii' projects were on show at the triennale museum, milan
during design week 2010.