When shop sells 'art derivatives'

A sculpture is sold in Uupp. Photo provided to China Daily

Giant panda scales Chengdu mall

China's 'smog art' movement

Among the most popular products are some porcelain teacups. They are in the shapes of lions, bears, foxes and owls. But each teacup's cover is a crown. When it is placed on the tray, it looks like the animal is wearing a crown.

Xu says he has a small team, all of whom are professionals. They are searching in various parts of the world, to bring back some lifestyle products with an artistic touch.

"For example, these teacups are from a Canadian brand named Imm Living," Xu says. "There are many such design brands which can inspire us."

At present, there are 300 kinds of products sold in Uupp and works from 30 artists. However, Xu wants to make Uupp an art platform with diversified forms of business, not only selling products.

Now his employee Henry Zhao is in charge of providing "art solutions" to clients.

"For example, if a hotel wants to decorate with some artworks, we can offer an all-around service, including picking the suitable artists and artworks according to the interior design, refreshing and restoring the artworks, and changing them seasonally," Zhao says.

With Zhao already bringing business from restaurants and hotels in Tianjin and Shanghai, Xu believes this "art service" will grow, especially in China where modern art is booming.