Incorporating cultural heritage into contemporary furniture design is always welcomed internationally without excepting Milan Design Week to add a distinctive and meaningful recognizability to the design. GRADO particularly infuses the symbolism and motifs of the Yi ethnic group, specifically speaking to the conventional Yi embroidery art from Liangshan Prefecture of Sichuan Province, which is a meticulous craft that embodies the totem worship and ethnic charm of the Yi people, qualified as the Ninth Batch of the National List of ICH (Intangible Cultural Heritage) by the State Council.
Several key approaches are employed, including integrating traditional Yi embroidery patterns or totemic symbols, selecting materials significant to Yi culture, and using traditional craftsmanship techniques. Additionally, drawing inspiration from the vibrant color schemes and infusing designs with narratives inspired by Yi cultural traditions further deepen the cultural connection. Through this thoughtful integration, contemporary furniture designs serve as a bridge between the past and the present, celebrating the unique heritage and artistry of the Yi ethnic group while resonating with a diverse audience.
International Charm of Yi's Needlework
Then, we dive into the Yi's embroidery motifs which encompass several significant totems that symbolize diverse qualities and aspirations within their belief system. The dragon is venerated as a totem of authority, protection, and good fortune, embodying power and benevolence in Yi's belief. Alongside the dragon, the tiger holds symbolic importance representing courage, bravery, and strength, serving as a totem of valor and protection in Yi culture. Additionally, the fish is revered as a key totem, symbolizing abundance, prosperity, and fertility, signifying luck and success across various spheres of life.
The eagle is held in high regard as a totem symbolizing vision, freedom, and spiritual protection, representing insight, foresight, and the capacity to ascend to great heights. Similarly, the phoenix carries profound symbolic significance as a totem representing rebirth, renewal, and immortality, embodying resilience, hope, and the eternal cycle of life. These totems are deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the Yi ethnic group, reflecting their spiritual and traditional values while illustrating the diverse qualities and virtues that are revered and celebrated within their belief system. These totems convey a rich tapestry of symbolic significance, reflecting the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Yi people and illustrating their reverence for strength, protection, prosperity, vision, and the cyclical nature of life.
Common Patterns of Yi's Embroidery: Butterfly | Windowpane Check | Seal | Nail | Geometry | Sickle Grains
Besides, various embroidery techniques such as pressure-line embroidery, wrapped-line embroidery, flat embroidery, cloth-pasted embroidery, edge-locked embroidery, and patch embroidery are also the highlights of Yi's embroidery crafts, each showcasing distinctive characteristics. These techniques and patterns, characterized by symmetrical textures and vibrant color contrasts, reflect the warm and cheerful nature of the Yi people. Grado's emphasis on ethnic minorities' craftsmanship is evident through the intricate incorporation of traditional Yi embroidery, symbolizing the brand's commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of ethnic minorities on a global platform at the 2024 Milan Design Week.
The Final Embroidery for the Solar Lounge Chair
The design of the Solar Lounge Chair is very much based on the above as a collaboration between GRADO and KK Design, and draws inspiration from the Sichuan Liangshan Sun Calendar Square, where "赤乌" symbolizes the sun, which is sourced from classic Chinese literature "Shan Hai Jing". The chair's spherical back support and armrests symbolize the sun, signifying the growth, dignity, and grandeur of all things. The chair features separate frame and filling components for easy disassembly and cleaning. It is crafted with solid white wax wood and natural linen, adorned with velvet and stripes. The embroidered version incorporates traditional Yi ethnic embroidery patterns, handcrafted by Yi embroidery artisans, representing China's cultural heritage at the Milan Design Week as a significant creation of 2024.
The Solar Lounge Chair DEBUT at Milan Design_GRADO Showroom with KK Design Founder
The Solar stuns at the 2024 Milan Design Week through the Yi's interpretation of perpetual energy and cultural significance, showcasing our commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of ethnic minorities on a global platform. By infusing the chair with Yi's embroidery patterns and traditional craftsmanship techniques specific to the Yi ethnic group, GRADO effectively ensures that the product is a meaningful representation of Yi cultural traditions.
Designers Introduction