November 08
Episodes
Previously
on Chic Cityrats:
#18 Made in Taiwan
There's something funny going on in Taiwan: the island has upgraded itself.
Looking at the extraordinary stands of Taiwanese designers at the latest Maison & Objet salon, it feels like all of the Made in Taiwan crap of old was suddenly relabelled Made in China, and the island left behind its immature gropings into low-end manufacture to join the adult world of international-class design.
At the same time, one could say (with somewhat sugary complacency) that Taiwan is still a child at heart. The island doesn't turn out any Barbie or G.I. Joe anymore, but it still produces toys, toys for the grown-up: in Taiwan, the tea cup is a screw, the salt shaker a small cannon, notebooks bear baffling messages, book-presses are leather elephants, pets are polypropylene trophies, and when you press a switch, the light comes out in all hues and colors.
That playful lifestyle is the new Made in Taiwan.
All pictures courtesy TAIWAN DESIGN CENTER
For any inquiry about these designers and their products you may send an email to tdcd@tdcd.de
- + INFO inThe One
The Index 1- Blossom, personal tableware set
2- Esquire Collection, tableware set / tea pot cup set- + INFO inLumen Works - Rainbowstar
The Index Rainbowstar lamps
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- + INFO inZüny
The Index 1 to 3- ZUNY paperweights and book ends
- + INFO inNational Palace Museum - Dragon Claw
The Index Dragon Claw bottle opener, National Palace Museum Taiwan, in collaboration with Asus Design, inspired by an ancient jade in the Museum collection, such as the pendents usually worn by the nobility in the Warring States period (475-221 BC) to signify their social status
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- + INFO inIslanders Design - Endangered Species
The Index Endangered Species wall lampshade, polypropylene. This design, inspired by Chinese paper-cut, transforms 2D sheets into 3D sculptures via simple folding
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- + INFO inBright Ideas Design - Cultural Figurine Series
The Index 1- FuLuSo, The Shape of Luckiness. The figurines combine the three incarnations of the Chinese blessing phrase “FU, LU, SO" (for happiness, honor, and longevity)”: the bat, deer, and crane
2- A Lohan (Arahat). The Arahat, or Lohan is the highest attainable grade in Buddhism. The figurines are a tribute to the free-spirited philosophy of life that underlie their unusual look and amazing powers
3- Katz Fun
- + INFO in28biaugust - A Little Round-Round Land
The Index A Little Round-Round Land, rotary coffee plates and reflective cups
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- + INFO inTaiwan Crafts and Design - Plate Playte!
The Index Plate Playte! The plate of beautiful crumbs.
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- + INFO inAgua Design
The Index 1- Days are morning green, There is a baby... Series
2- Black Orange, Poetic Series
3- Post Modern, Poetic Series
4- Nouvelles Vagues, Poetic Series
5- The Tiny Calendar- + INFO inSekond Corporation
The Index 1- Castle fruit plate, Cannon salt and pepper shaker
2- Saber-shaped fruit forks setSekond Corporation
- + INFO in25ToGo Design
The Index 1- City Skyline, CD & DVD shelf
2- My Document laptop bag (13", 14" or 15"), comes with a pin, and My Photo camera bag- + INFO inMod Design
The Index 1- Reset, tea cups, premium semigloss outside and glossy inside
2- P’sof Cake, pie server for 6” to 10” diameter round cakes, anti-bacteria and greaseproof, comes with a stainless steel tray- + INFO inTocca Design - Twist Your Life
The Index 1 and 2- TWIST YOUR LIFE, water-leading and anti-slippery mug, its lid is designed to double as a coaster
