Discovering The Living Craft: A Carl Hansen & Søn Experience
อัปเดตเมื่อ 2 วันที่ผ่านมา
An Exploration of Craftsmanship and Design
When we think of craftsmanship, we often envision items made by hand. However, after feeling the fibers, adjusting the weight, and carefully threading each strand onto the chair frame ourselves, we realized that craftsmanship is not just about the method of production. It encompasses time, precision, and the relationship between the artisan's hands and the materials at hand.
This realization struck us at The Living Craft: A Carl Hansen & Søn Experience. This exhibition, curated by CHANINTR CRAFT, showcases the designs of Danish furniture brand Carl Hansen & Søn alongside the handwoven artistry of NORAPAO. It features two significant chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner: the CH23 and CH24 Wishbone Chair.
A Fusion of Cultures
At first glance, one might think this is merely a display of classic furniture arranged in a beautiful setting. However, as we delved into the details and engaged in the actual processes, the exhibition revealed a fascinating dialogue between designs from different cultures. The common thread lies in the integrity of materials, the craftsmanship, and the belief that everyday objects can endure beyond the trends of time.
Living Craft: A Dynamic Art Form
The name The Living Craft evokes the idea of craftsmanship as something that continues to evolve, change, and grow with the people who carry it forward. Often, iconic designs are placed on a pedestal, almost untouchable. We remember the shapes, recognize the names of their creators, and see them repeatedly in books or photographs. Yet, in this exhibition, the chairs are not merely presented as relics of the past.
The CH23 and CH24 Wishbone Chairs serve as starting points for experimentation with fibers, textures, and contemporary weaving techniques. Each chair retains its original design language while incorporating new details that allow us to view familiar shapes through a fresh lens.
What’s intriguing is not the attempt to transform the chairs into something else but rather to seamlessly integrate the essence of Thai craftsmanship without losing the identity of the original pieces.
A Journey Through Time
The collaboration between Hans J. Wegner and Carl Hansen & Søn began in 1949, leading to the creation of the first chair that became a significant milestone in Danish Modern design.
The CH24 Wishbone Chair was the first chair Wegner designed specifically for Carl Hansen & Søn in 1949, with production commencing in 1950. The CH23 made its debut in 1950 and was reintroduced in 2017.
At first glance, the CH23 may appear simple, but upon closer inspection, one can discover thoughtful details. From the cross-shaped wooden buttons on the backrest to the double-woven seat and the curved back legs that enhance stability, every aspect is meticulously crafted.
Meanwhile, the CH24, widely recognized as the Wishbone Chair, is iconic for its Y-shaped backrest, the flowing curves of its wooden frame, and its hand-woven seat. Producing one chair involves over 100 steps, particularly for the seat, which uses approximately 120 meters of paper cord. Skilled artisans spend about an hour weaving it. Understanding these details transforms the chair from a mere shape into a narrative of time and labor.
Bridging Cultures Through Craft
In The Living Craft, NORAPAO has reinterpreted the textures of the CH23 and CH24 through hemp-cotton fibers and natural color palettes like Beige and Dark Brown.
NORAPAO is a textile studio founded by Tetsuya Onuki and designer Miya Onuki. The studio works with naturally dyed textiles and handwoven crafts, collaborating with artisans in northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai, and utilizing natural fibers such as silk, cotton, and hemp to create their works.
For us, this collection reveals a dialogue between Nordic precision, the serene simplicity reminiscent of Japanese design, and the traces left by Thai weavers. Although these three design languages originate from different backgrounds, they connect through respect for nature, integrity to materials, and the belief that everyday objects should embody both functionality and beauty.
The result does not feel like mere embellishment on the chairs. The new textures soften the wooden frames, while the weight of color and fibers connect Danish design with the natural touch of Asian craftsmanship. The chair's shape remains distinct, and its structure serves its purpose faithfully, while the weaving gradually adds warmth and the human touch.
The Art of Weaving: A Hands-On Experience
One of our favorite moments at the event was trying our hand at weaving the CH23 chair under the guidance of artisans from NORAPAO.
Previously, we viewed the weaving on chairs as merely a surface detail of the furniture. We might have noticed the color or pattern but never truly appreciated the tactile experience. However, as we grasped the fibers, adjusted the tension, and carefully threaded each strand onto the chair frame, we began to understand that the apparent simplicity is the result of countless intricate details.
The tension must be just right, and the rhythm of our hands cannot be too fast. Each strand must relate to the previous one.
After just a few attempts, we quickly recognized the difference between “handmade” and “skilled by hand.” What seemed like repetitive movements required concentration, precision, and familiarity with the material's nature.
Watching the artisans work, everything appeared fluid and natural, almost making us forget that behind their steady rhythm lies years of accumulated skill. But when it was our turn to try, even a small part of the process made it clear that each fiber cannot be placed haphazardly. A slight difference in hand pressure can change the tension, spacing, and consistency of the surface.
A New Perspective on Craftsmanship
This brief experience allowed us to view the CH23 and CH24 in a new light. We no longer saw just the iconic shapes of Hans J. Wegner; we began to perceive the time, knowledge, and traces of hands that gradually come together to form a single piece of furniture. This might be the message that The Living Craft aims to convey.
Craftsmanship is alive not merely because people continue to create but because knowledge is passed from one hand to another. It flows through observation, hands-on experience, and the understanding that some forms of beauty cannot be rushed.
After placing the fibers and looking back at the small section we attempted to weave, the feeling that arose was not one of pride in having created something but rather a deep respect for those who repeat this process time and again until their skills become part of their very being.
This understanding deepens our appreciation for the term craftsmanship beyond any written description.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
The story of Carl Hansen & Søn began in 1908 from a small workshop established by Carl Hansen. It has since grown into one of Denmark's prominent furniture brands, playing a crucial role in preserving the legacy of Danish Modern design.
From the beginning, the brand has prioritized what is known as passionate craftsmanship. This dedication is evident in every step, from material selection to shaping, framing, and the details of weaving.
The allure of timeless design does not mean that a piece must remain in its original form forever. On the contrary, classic pieces can open spaces for people from different eras, skills, and cultures to engage in dialogue without losing the essence of the original. The Living Craft is one such conversation, occurring not through words but through wood frames, fibers, hand weights, and the time invested in creating each piece.
Reflections on The Living Craft
Before attending the event, we recognized the Wishbone Chair as a frequently seen design and thought we were quite familiar with it.
However, after trying our hand at weaving, that familiarity transformed. We began to notice details we had previously overlooked, understanding the relationship between our hands and the fibers. We grasped the reasons why certain pieces require time and gained insight into why quality furniture can endure longer than seasonal trends.
The Living Craft invites us not only to appreciate the past but also to contemplate how craftsmanship can journey into the future while preserving knowledge, skill, and humanity.
Perhaps the value of craftsmanship lies not only in the precision of the finished piece but also in the traces of the process, in the subtle differences of each item, and in the feelings that arise when we realize someone has invested time, knowledge, and intention into creating something with their own hands.
About Carl Hansen & Søn
Carl Hansen & Søn is a Danish furniture brand founded in 1908. It plays a significant role in producing and preserving the works of designers from the Danish Modern era, particularly those of Hans J. Wegner. The brand emphasizes the integration of traditional craftsmanship techniques with modern production processes, maintaining material quality and longevity as its core values.
About NORAPAO
NORAPAO is a textile studio founded by Tetsuya Onuki and Miya Onuki. It focuses on naturally dyed textiles and handwoven crafts, collaborating with artisans in northern Thailand. The studio values natural fibers, traditional wisdom, and the development of these skills for future generations.
About CHANINTR
Established in Thailand in 1994, CHANINTR operates in the luxury furniture and interior design sector, curating international furniture brands such as bulthaup, Liaigre, MillerKnoll, and Minotti.
About CHANINTR CRAFT
CHANINTR CRAFT is a space under CHANINTR that emphasizes contemporary design, craftsmanship, materials, and the value of production processes. It curates furniture and brands that share a commitment to craftsmanship and timeless design.
CHANINTR CRAFT
Address: 924 Sukhumvit 55 (Thong Lo), Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Time: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 - 19:00
Tel: +662 059 7750
E-mail: info@chanintr.com
Website: www.chanintr.com
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