6 young and promising Chinese designers

Every year as part of Maison & Objet, the Rising Talent exhibition takes place where young talented designers showcase their creations. This time organizers invited six designers from China to demonstrate what modern Eastern design looks like.

6 Rising Talent participants

Frank Chow

Frank was born and raised in Beijing, witnessing the city's transformation over several decades, which influenced his perception of design and architecture. In 2012, the designer founded his own studio and has since created functional items combining modern Chinese vision with European standards.

For example, the Middle chair resembles traditional Chinese bamboo chairs in form but looks contemporary. For the Combo modular sofa's upholstery, the designer used a mix of fabric, leather, and wool.

Insight should be sought in the modern and future lifestyle of Eastern countries.

The Middle Chair

The Stack Table

The Combo Sofa

Chen Furong

From Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, Chen once embarked on a journey and traveled more than ten thousand kilometers across China. Afterward, he realized he wanted to pursue design and began creating items that blend modern technology with traditional crafts.

At the exhibition, Chen presented the WUU collection. When designing the Morandi aluminum vases, the designer drew inspiration from the still lifes of Italian artist Giorgio Morandi. However, he decided to use aluminum not only for the vases but also in furniture design: the Blueprint table with a transparent countertop features aluminum legs, while the Axis model is entirely made of aluminum.

Perfect design is a blend of functionality, form, and aesthetics.

The Axis Table and Morandi Vases

Mario Cai

Mario Cai traveled extensively through China and Nepal, and six years ago moved to Hangzhou where he opened his shop and design studio. The designer believes that the fewer materials he uses in creating items, the better. The most important thing is the design.

For example, the Two Halves wall mirror supports a mesh shelf suitable for storing small items. The Pig Side side table, shaped like a piggy bank with a wide-brimmed hat, has convenient storage inside and can hold a tea cup on its 'hat'.

Our works perfectly embody modern Chinese design.

The Two Halves Mirror

The Pig Side Table

Hongji Yang

Several years ago, Hongji left China to study in the United States and the Netherlands. His works combine elements of Western and Eastern cultures. On one hand, they reflect nature in its purest form: the works sometimes resemble cross-sections of mountain rock. On the other hand, they are flawless and achieving such an effect is only possible for humans.

In my work, I try to find the fine line between human forces and nature.

The Synthesis Mirror

The Synthesis Bench

The Synthesis Side Table

Simi Li

Simi studied design in China and Milan, and for several years even worked with renowned designers Andrea Branzi and Luca Tracchi in Italy. In 2016, Simi Li founded his independent design studio and furniture brand Urbancraft. The designer believes that Eastern and Western design should coexist and complement each other.

For example, the Jiazhuang side table resembles a traditional Chinese box but easily fits into modern interiors. The TV cabinet from the Yuan collection is a complete system of shelves and side tables made of glass, marble, and terrazzo—very popular now.

In travels, I discover the cultures of different countries and filter them through myself. That's how new works are born.

The Yuan Mirror

The Jiazhuang Table

The Yuan TV Cabinet

Bentu

A former student of the Guangzhou Institute of Industrial Design established his own brand in 2011. Bentu creates items from materials usually destined for recycling: ceramic waste, stone, and concrete. He is one of the few designers who raises the theme of environmental protection in his work. By the way, items made from recycled waste are quite interesting. Just consider the lamps shaped like the planets of our solar system.

Design should not only address important issues of humanity but also propose solutions to them.

The O2 Wall Lights

The Planet Pendant Lights