Fan ఫ్యాన్

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Boldly remixed with stone and wood tabletops, the central piece of metal is curated in the shape of a half-moon that resembles the Chinese fan. The fusion of multiple materials creates a mood of mystery and playfulness.

Dimensions & Packaging

Width 1120 mm x Depth 1120 mm x Height 700 mm

Tags

Collective Design, Homeware Design, Furniture Design, Chinese Fan

Production Technology

Bronze, Marble, Artistic Bark

Design Challenge

The structure of the fan table is a triangle, formed by a combination of wood and metal to support the table-top weight. The part where the metal and marble are spliced presented a structural challenge. To achieve a perfect fit, the marble was sanded repeatedly to match and fit in the curved metal surface.

Research

To have a deeper understanding of Chinese folding fans, designer Bryce Cai made a special visit to the Fan Museum in Hangzhou. By studying the museum collections on tour with educators, he absorbed information about the folding fans’ basic structure, its 3000-year history, and its long-lasting influence on traditional Chinese culture. In ancient China, words in homophony and fortune were often associated. "Shan", simultaneously represented goodness and the object itself. Fans were often gifted to friends as tokens of appreciation and mascots. Although with time, the folding fan has gradually faded from the daily lives of people, Bryce Cai has found a poetic way to present the fan in another form in our homes, both as a tribute to traditional culture and a reminder of kindness.

Inspiration

Fan Table is inspired by Chinese fans. In ancient times, it was often given as a gift to friends because of its homophony with Shan（which stands for kindness in Chinese). It also has the meaning of advancing and retreating freely and at ease.

Project Duration

The project started in March 2020 and finished in June 2020 in Guangzhou, and was exhibited in Shanghai in July 2020. This exhibition “COEXIST” lasted for 3 months.

Operation Flow

The special semicircle in the center of the coffee table can freely place flowers and small ornaments.

Image Credits

Image #1: Photographer Guan Li
Image #2: Photographer Guan Li
Image #3: Photographer Guan Li
Image #4: Photographer Guan Li
Image #5: Photographer Guan Li