Grad Show 2023
Grad Show 23
A- A A+
Print
Citation

Qingxian Xu

Website
Instagram

Knot, just craft it

The thesis aims to explore the intersection of traditional crafts and modern design by modernizing Chinese traditional knotting craft. The objective is to preserve the aesthetic, cultural, and utility values embedded in the craft by creating a series of furniture and accessory designs that offer a self-making experience.

By applying traditional crafts to modern daily life, the thesis seeks to give new life to the essence of traditional crafts and create new life experiences that are accessible to more consumers. The project demonstrates the relevance and value of traditional crafts in today's world and creates new opportunities for consumers to engage with this ancient human-making wisdom.

 

Modernize traditional knotting craft

The thesis aims to explore the intersection of traditional crafts and modern design by modernizing Chinese traditional knotting craft. The objective is to preserve the aesthetic, cultural, and utility values embedded in the craft by creating a series of furniture and accessory designs that offer a self-making experience.

By applying traditional crafts to modern daily life, the thesis seeks to give new life to the essence of traditional crafts and create new life experiences that are accessible to more consumers. The project demonstrates the relevance and value of traditional crafts in today's world and creates new opportunities for consumers to engage with this ancient human-making wisdom.

 

Red Chinese Pipa knot hanging on the wall

Pipa knot folding chair-Chinese red
Media: aluminum,  plastic, fabric, cotton.

Take it from the wall

The Pipa Knot Chair is a folding chair that can be hung on the wall as a decorative object meanwhile as a piece of functional furniture. The Pipa Knot is a unique Chinese knot that is based on the Figure 8 shape named after the Pipa, a traditional Chinese musical instrument with a similar shape.

The grand, red Panchang knot is a familiar sight within many Chinese homes, adorning the walls and symbolizing good fortune. However, my intention is to extend its role beyond being mere decor. I envision transforming this iconic knot into a functional piece of furniture. By shifting it from wall to floor, it becomes an interactive and practical part of daily life. The knotting experience is embedded in the self-assembly process. Through the friendly designed diagram, users can effortlessly assemble the chair in 20 mins, meanwhile customization of the rope becomes an option for users to make their own design.

 

Green knot folding chair beside a window
Green chair seat
Green knot folding chair front view
Green knot folding chair back view

Pipa knot folding chair-Jade
Media: Aluminum,  Plastic, Fabric, Cotton

Knot Stool

The Knot Stool draws inspiration from the Jixiang Knot, mirroring its central symmetry and growth aesthetic. The soft, chunky cord, made of velvet and stuffing, wraps around the sturdy metal frame, giving birth to a visually continuous design language. One fascinating aspect of my design exploration is the playful juxtaposition of soft and hard materials.

White knot stool on a white background
A hand is holding a loop-shaped metal tube stool frame on the left and a grey knot stool on a white background on the right
Close view of white knot stool on a white background

Knot Stool 2
Media: Steel, Foam, Fabric, Cotton

Knot Bag

Speaking of Chinese knots, they inherently exude beauty. Why not incorporate this aesthetic allure into our clothing? These Knot bags are embodiments of the modern reinterpretation of traditional knotting craft's aesthetic values. The process of working with cords of various textures and levels of softness was a fascinating exploration.

A green cube bag wrapped with cords on a white background
An ivory bag made with cords on a white background

Knot Bag1
Media: Fabric, Cords, Metal

Inheritance

The best way to understand craft is to think of it as a conversation flowing through time. And the best way to inherit or preserve the craft is to use it, appreciate it, and play with it.

One such effort lies in finding new applications for traditional crafts in our modern daily lives. This includes finding new ways to integrate these ancient techniques into contemporary daily life, with many people using them for both decoration and practical purposes. One example of this is the growing popularity of self-making experiences, where individuals can create unique handcrafted items as a counter-movement to the mass-produced culture of modern times.

Architecture

Ceramics

Design Engineering

Digital + Media

Furniture Design

Glass

Global Arts and Cultures

Graphic Design

Industrial Design

Interior Architecture

Jewelry + Metalsmithing

Landscape Architecture

Nature-Culture-Sustainability Studies

Painting

Photography

Printmaking

Sculpture

TLAD

Textiles

 

RISD Grad ShowRISD Grad Show