Old inspiration

An exhibition highlights the revival of old handicraft through a modern approach, Lin Qi reports. 

Alan Chan, the Hong Kong designer, artist and curator, has in his studio a library of objects of craft that he has collected from across the world over the past three decades. He didn't inquire about the function of some of these things when buying them. But gradually, studying their shape, materials and making has brought great inspiration to his work.

Among Chan's collection are several objects of curiosity dating back more than a century, including a set of books published in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), with dozens of seal marks on the pages. The classy and neat design of the books impressed Chan so much that he calls them "a national treasure".

"Chinese seals are the best examples of graphic design," he says.

Chan also has an 18th century lacquer box believed to have been created during the reign of emperor Yongzheng and used in the royal court. Its exterior features refined carving that resembles a piece of cloth wrapped around the box and tied into a knot.

Chan says the items in his collection help him discover wisdom that goes back a long time, "which I cannot find elsewhere".

He has incorporated artistic elements of these artifacts into his own product designs, with the packaging of his tea brand being an example.

"A craft work represents an identity. The craftsmanship, the materials used in an object and its shape tell people what age it belongs to and how people lived at the time. It is like a seal of time."