yii design: calligraphy cupboard by po ching liao

‘calligraphy cabinet’
image © designboom

‘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’ design 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. under the creative direction of dutch designer gijs bakker, 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.

‘calligraphy cupboard’ is a collaboration between designer po-chin liao, lacquerware artist sheng-wen liao and wood carver wei-wen lan. the cupboard is made with a traditional look, representing an eastern influence and a ‘shaped by nature’ aesthetic.  it’s constructed from driftwood layered with lacquer decoration, appearing as if to be floating, reminding one of the strokes seen in chinese calligraphy, reflecting the movement of the classic chinese handwriting. large, brass, hardware in bold shapes contrasts the natural and organic form of the materials in which the cupboard is made.

alternate view

up close of brass hardware

up close of large circular brass hinges
detail of the driftwood pieces made to construct the cabinet

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