One standout exhibit, titled The Birth of a Chair, breaks down every part of a wooden chair, suspending each piece in midair, so visitors can clearly see the various mortise-and-tenon joints that connect them. "Through these exhibits, we aim to showcase the craftsmanship, artistry, culture and historical evolution of traditional Chinese woodworking and furniture," Ou says.
He is one of the first professionals in the country to delve into the reproduction of antique wooden furniture. In his pursuit of reinventing traditional wooden pieces, he upholds a principle of"90 percent tradition, 10 percent innovation", focusing on refining even the minutest details.
For instance, in the adaptation of a classical "throne chair" for contemporary homes, he and his team adjust the chair's proportions, reducing its size and lowering the height of the backrest to enhance its functionality.
Recognizing that these chairs are usually placed in living rooms, they design double- and triple-seater versions, creating a series of sofa sets.
They also design new furniture for modern living spaces, such as TV cabinets and writing desks, incorporating practicality and traditional aesthetics.
"Today's consumers have an increasingly sophisticated sense of aesthetics. More people want to decorate their homes with the beauty of traditional wooden furniture and are willing to spend time understanding and appreciating its charm," he says.
"Consumer expectations have risen, encompassing not just the style, craftsmanship and materials of wooden furniture but also its placement within their living spaces. I believe this trend is positive — as demand evolves, so do consumer preferences," Ou says.
