Contemporary Chinese Furniture Design

Book excerpt: Contemporary Chinese Furniture Design is the first definitive book on contemporary Chinese furniture, introducing the work of leading designers and design studios, including Chen Darui, Jerry Chen, Frank Chou, Hou Zheng–Guang, Hong Wei, Ma Yansong, Neri & Hu, Shao Fan, Shang Xia, Song Tao, Studio MVW, Xiao Tianyu and Zhang Zhoujie. It explains how the 'New Wave' of Chinese furniture designers are looking back to their cultural roots and revitalizing traditional forms, materials and techniques in order to produce interesting and exciting contemporary furniture that is 100% Chinese. The first definitive book on contemporary Chinese furniture design, which includes not only an in–depth analysis of historic Chinese furniture design in its introduction, but importantly relates the past to what is happening now in Chinese furniture design. Includes individual entries, many based on in–depth interviews with leading figures within the Chinese furniture design, that provide insightful personal perspectives on the rapid evolution of Chinese furniture design over the last decade or so. The publication of this book marks the twenty–fifth anniversary of the Furniture China expo. "Featuring over 400 exemplary works representative of the new wave of creativity in modern Chinese furniture design. Channeling the spirit of the Song and Ming dynasties, as well as other Chinese styles and themes, the designs express a 21st Century Sinocentric national romanticism." – China.org.cn An excerpt from the book: "Since the mid–1990s a definable movement in contemporary Chinese furniture design has been growing and evolving, and has now reached such creative critical mass that it is possible to speak of it enjoying a 'moment'. The publication of this book is intended to share this remarkable design story with the wider world, while introducing the work and ideas of its leading protagonists. The exceptional quality and innovation of the furniture associated with what has already become known as 'New Chinese Design' will undoubtedly set in motion a significant reappraisal of contemporary Chinese design in general. But what is more, this extraordinary development may initiate the tipping of the balance of international design influence from West to East, such is its astonishing creative vitality and snowballing momentum."