The Piao II paper chair is a contemporary interpretation of two significant Chinese traditional crafts—oil-paper umbrellas and lanterns. The technique of layering paper sheets in the chair’s construction is inspired by the process of pasting paper on umbrellas. Traditional lantern craftsmanship further supports the choice of materials and production methods. Although Xuan paper and bamboo fibers are fragile materials by nature, when layered and glued together, they form a sturdy outer shell. As a result, the chair retains its lightweight yet solid characteristics.

The primary inspiration for the Piao paper chair comes from traditional Chinese oil-paper umbrellas. This exploration of traditional craftsmanship is an essential part of a broader study of Yuhang’s local artisanal techniques and materials. During the product analysis, we selected certain intriguing details that inspired us to create contemporary designs.

For example, the technique of pasting paper onto the bamboo frame of the oil-paper umbrella was particularly intriguing to us. Inspired by this, we considered using a mold to layer paper over it, ultimately creating a purely paper-based product without the need for any structural support. We wanted to test if this approach could provide a sturdy shell, and the results proved highly successful. In the end, we transformed fragile and soft materials into a durable, solid form.

In this contemporary design, we aimed to save both materials and time. Another fascinating traditional craft offered us the ideal solution. This technique comes from the making of Chinese paper lanterns, where we combined paper with a very fine bamboo fiber woven into a mesh.

We added only a few layers using this craft, which made the chair even lighter and allowed it to slightly reveal the underlying layers.

When we first created the *Piao* paper chair, we used only paper, but it required many layers to solidify a durable shell. Now, by combining these two materials, we not only reduced the weight but also saved time. This new design also better showcases the chair's form.

The two key materials in this chair are bamboo paper and beech wood. The upper seat portion retains the simplest shell shape, with its most striking feature being the freely open form of the chair's edges. This is not only a decorative element but also an interaction between the user and the product, enhancing the tactile experience.