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Feature Furniture: Discovering Traditional Chinese Joinery

Fans of modern design may have differing opinions on colors, textures and shapes. But we can all agree on one thing: simplicity is essential.

Nothing brings this idea more to life than our newest additions from the furniture design studio Sun at Six. We have two pieces that epitomize stunning simplicity in both form and function: the Wing Nude Stand, a white oak piece that can serve as both seating or a stand; and the Rise Nude Bookstand, designed to hold books, records, magazines and more.

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The story doesn’t end there: Simplicity also shines through in the way these pieces were made. They were all handcrafted without nails or screws – which means they come fully assembled.

Sun at Six works with families, artisans and traditional joinery masters from Guangzhou, China, to create pieces using classical Chinese joinery techniques. It’s a fading, yet honored, artform that is still passed down from generation to generation. It employs the use of intricate, interwoven joints to create furniture without hardware. Imagine wood pieces fitting together using tongue and grooves that interlock like puzzle pieces.

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It’s not just an exercise in convenience. By using a joinery system, the wood can “breathe” during large swings in temperature and humidity. Essentially, the furniture expands and contracts, which prevents cracking and warping. Traditionally, this was a response to China’s extreme changes in temperature and humidity. The logic holds universally, however: Considering our temperate climate in America, we can definitely relate.

Though production of classical joinery pieces, like wardrobe cabinets, has dwindled, Sun at Six is working to create new opportunities for its masters by applying the traditional technique to new designs. It’s their hope, as well as ours, that this legacy of craftsmanship carries through for centuries to come.

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Wing Nude Stand, $315
Pull it up to your dining room table as extra seating. Or, put your plants on it and use it as a display stand. Its height was designed to serve both purposes. Equally adaptable is its neutral color (a nice, clean white oak) and simple shape.

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Rise Nude Bookstand, $290
It’s “floating” form is just part of its allure. This showpiece holds books, records, magazines or anything else you want all eyes on. Place it on the floor as an accent piece, or on a table as an elevated point of interest.