NTCRI's taiwan pavilion is 'evolving life' at maison&objet 2023

The internationally acclaimed Maison&Objet Paris has always embodied the essence of global furnishing design, establishing itself as a leading platform for brands to reach the global stage. As a participant since 2008, guided by the Ministry of Culture and led by the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI), the Taiwan Pavilion presents a curated collection by skilled artisans and design brands at M&O Paris 2023, making a powerful comeback to the eminent arena in the furnishings industry.

led by NTCRI, the Taiwan Pavilion presents a curated collection by skilled artisans and design brands at M&O Paris 2023

all images courtesy of National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI)

Focusing on the theme of ‘Evolving Life’ the Taiwan Crafts and Design Pavilion celebrates craftsmanship and a positive approach to life. With over 60 remarkable Taiwanese craft pieces on display at the Signature gallery in Hall 7, the exhibition invites international visitors and buyers to immerse themselves in the beauty of these intricate creations. The exhibits are categorized into Conceptual, Brand, and Fashion Crafts, each carefully curated with insights from international curator Francois Leblanc Di Cicillia for the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI).

the Taiwan Crafts and Design Pavilion introduces ‘Evolving Life’ as its core theme, embodying the progressive journey of Taiwanese craftsmanship | Lattice Chair (Conceptual Crafts)

Unlike previous years, this exhibition strives for a balance between concept and market. This commitment aims to captivate media, buyers, and design experts while keeping in line with global market trends. Ultimately, the goal is to elevate Taiwan’s craftsmanship onto the world stage through collective participation in exhibitions. Carefully selected works from brands like Tomood, Shanjiehao Bamboo Crafts, TU Furniture, KIMU Design, Chaiwood, META Design, NAKNAK, ROCK Wang, S2studio, and Yuhsien Design Studio represent a wide array of materials and products. From dining to coffee tables and from ornamental lighting to flower vessels, these pieces encompass a variety of materials as well, such as wood, bamboo, woven fabric, glass and more.

a collection of over 60 exceptional Taiwanese craft pieces will be on display at the Signature gallery in Hall 7 | Booboo Chair v1 (Conceptual Crafts)

The exhibition space’s design is a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality, providing an inviting environment that highlights the uniqueness of the Taiwanese Pavilion. The collection features nearly 30 conceptual creations, stemming from programs like Digital Technology-Aided Craft Design and Cross-Domain Development and Creation by NTCRI. These push the boundaries of creativity and include items crafted from unexpected materials, such as recycled fish scales, cutlery carved from stone through 3D printing, and metal-formed necklaces and bottles. Additionally, the collection showcases benches, chairs, and screens made from Taiwanese wood using digital manufacturing technology. For the creative result, industry partners, and academia, have collectively pushed the boundaries of materials, technology, style, and aesthetics.

the exhibits this year fall into three categories: ‘Conceptual Crafts,’ ‘Brand Crafts,’ and ‘Fashion Crafts’

A highlight of the 2023 exhibition is the collaborative effort with Taipei Fashion Week, where artisans and fashion designers merge traditional craft techniques with contemporary clothing designs. This fusion translates traditional art forms and brings together three pairs of artisans and fashion designers, including Taiwan’s esteemed lacquer artist, Wang Ching Shuang, alongside C JEAN; traditional building painter, Chung Wu Nan, in partnership with Justin Chou from JUST IN XX; and shadow play master, Zhang Fu-guo, collaborating with Tang Tsung Chien.

Cocoon whisper (Conceptual Crafts)

Product for Nature – Trellis (Conceptual Crafts)