The research we started in 2021 was based on a short -ideo-platform-source craft research, where we learned about some of the craft makers in the short videos, so we found them, learned from them and finally worked together to design and produce the piece.
A traditional Chinese folk art, shadow puppets are made from animal skins or paper, and the artist sets up a light behind a curtain to manipulate the puppets and interpret the plot with dancing shadows.
As part of our participation in the first season of Wallpaper's Co-Made project, we developed a design idea on the theme of 'thinking at hand'. We wanted to draw inspiration from the studio's ongoing research project, 'Co Designer Lab', and while looking through our research, the craft of shadow-making caught our attention. The shadow is deeply connected to the hand, from its production to its use, and if we were to intervene in the design of this process, we wanted to retain this interactive feeling, to make it a prop in people's hands, and thus to integrate the shadow work into everyday life - while conveying the appeal of the shadow.
Ultimately, we chose the working table lamp as the method to achieve our goal, and in squeezing the lever with our hands to turn it and adjust the angle, we wanted people to be reminded of this ancient art.
In 2022, after almost a year's delay due to the epidemic, we finally went to Baoji, Shaanxi Province, to visit Zhao Shaofeng and Liu Meiling, non-geneticists of shadow puppets. Shaanxi shadow is made from cowhide, which, after a unique process of washing, drying, cutting and colouring, has the characteristics of being transparent, strong and with a certain toughness. Based on this, we designed all the components of the lamp on a flat piece of cowhide, which, according to the characteristics of shadow puppet hides, can be bent to produce a composition with structural strength. We lined up decorative elements from the traditional shadow, such as Mu Guiying（a famous female role model in Chinese ancient time） sword flower and red tassel, and the sea wave animal claws on Wenchen's trouser legs on the shadow parts, which were carved by Zhao Shaofeng and then coloured by his wife, Liu Meiling.
Each part is removed from the finished leather panel and paired with metal parts and a lamp cord to create a tabletop lamp.
Studio Monana's diverse product range spans from lifestyle items to captivating art installations. Imbued with a spirit of playful interpretation, Monana offer fresh perspectives on culture, history, and the natural landscape.
