The Fortunate Ruyi Chair

Inspired by the Ruyi, a traditional Chinese symbol of good fortune, blessings, and fulfillment, The Fortunate Ruyi Chair embodies the spirit of sharing kindness and goodwill with others. Drawing upon the designer’s extensive experience in interior design practice, the work reflects a profound understanding that every successful design and construction project is the result of collective effort, mutual trust, and collaboration across diverse disciplines. Through this creation, the designer seeks to convey a positive philosophy of human interaction and encourage a virtuous cycle of goodwill. More than a functional seating object, the chair serves as a cultural medium that combines usability with aesthetic appreciation, inviting reflection on the values it represents. By integrating traditional symbolism with contemporary design expression, The Fortunate Ruyi Chair aspires to inspire users to experience the essence of Chinese cultural wisdom and the ideal of benefiting both oneself and others through everyday encounters.

The design integrates the traditional Ruyi motif as its central visual language. Through a process of duplication and mirroring, the tapered ends of the motif are overlapped and seamlessly joined, forming the chair’s sculptural seat and supporting legs. The composition features a series of continuous, irregular curves and distinctive transitions between inner and outer radii, creating a sense of fluidity while expressing the beauty of asymmetrical balance. Furthermore, the design explores the deeper cultural significance embodied in the Ruyi pattern, reinterpreting its symbolic meaning through a contemporary aesthetic and a customized design approach.

In addition, the chair incorporates the traditional persimmon tannin dyeing technique (Kakishibu), often referred to as “sun dyeing.” The dye is produced from naturally fermented unripe persimmons and recycled persimmon peels, transforming agricultural by-products into valuable resources. Through a process of sunlight exposure and natural oxidation, the color gradually deepens over time, creating a rich and evolving patina with remarkable visual depth. This approach not only supports resource circulation and environmental responsibility but also imbues the work with profound cultural significance and artisanal value, bridging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sustainable design.