2026

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Design Philosophy: Elegant arrangements on a scholar's desk, embodying literary spirit and artisan charm.
This desk object is born from a profound respect for classical Eastern aesthetics, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. It draws on the classic form of the "Small Flat-Head Table" (Xiao Ping Tou An), celebrated for its upright posture and harmonious proportions. Within its compact footprint, it constructs a visual space that is both grounded and dynamic. It is not merely a functional surface but an expression of a spiritual stance—a tranquil sanctuary for the soul within the scholar's studio.
The base design rejects superfluous decoration, returning to essence. We focused on highlighting its sturdy, understated beauty as a support, achieving a visual balance between lightness and weight for the overall form. This embodies the principle of living with integrity and steadiness.
At its heart lies the entirely handcrafted joinery, sunmao. This is not only the essence of a thousand-year-old craft but also an expression of our design philosophy: to achieve seamless integration and enduring stability without relying on external fasteners, using only the innate intelligence and strength of the wood itself. Every fitting of tenon and mortise is a dialogue with history, communicating the Eastern wisdom of "concealing, not revealing" and a commitment to consummate craftsmanship.
For the material, we meticulously selected a collector-grade Phoebe zhennan wood with a "Dragon's Gallbladder" grain. Each kernel of the pattern is full and distinct, resembling a dragon lurking in the deep—a powerful texture interwoven with a delicate feel. Every vein is nature's soliloquy, a stroke from the brush of time. This unique canvas bestows life and soul upon the object, elevating it beyond a mere utensil into a piece of art to be passed down through generations.
Credits
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Danting Li
Category
User Interface (UI) - Real Estate
Country / Region
United States
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Isabel Prentis | Elon University
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User Experience (UX) - Product UX
Country / Region
United States
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Next Gadget Lab Limited
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Office Furniture & Office Chairs - Office Chairs
Country / Region
United Kingdom
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Journey Digital
Category
User Interface (UI) - Ethical & Inclusive UI Design
Country / Region
New Zealand