Inspired by history.
We sought to design a table that would not only capture the essence of tradition but also become a modern day masterpiece - a table that could fit contemporary needs through transformation, while preserving a beautiful and timeless aesthetic.
History
In the main hall of many traditional Chinese homes, from the old courtyard houses in China to the shophouses of South-east Asia, often sits a simple square table. Known as the Baxian Table (八仙桌), or the Table of Eight Immortals, this humble piece of furniture is named after the iconographic figures to signify a camaraderie shared especially over food and drink amongst loved ones and kin.
More than just for meals, the Baxian Table would take on numerous functions - covered with festive fabrics and used for celebrations, a desk for work, impromptu tea sessions, and for leisurely games such as mahjong.
One could go so far as to say that the Baxian Table was at the heart of domestic life.
HIDDEN FEATURES
Tucked into the center of the XUAN Table and hidden from plain sight, is a compartment that can be used to house mahjong tiles. Drawers tucked at the sides, can be used for game chips, or space to hold the player’s phones.
The Design
Using precise geometric diagrams and rotational curves, the square table was divided into triangles first, inspired by an avant garde 1960s, three sided mahjong table, chanced upon at a Singaporean Chinese gentlemen's club. Through several iterations, the perfect angles and shapes were created, and matched with a folding mechanism for the supporting legs - the result was a table that could transform from a slim console, to a triangular table, to a square one.
Addressing smaller urban homes of today - a slim console could be tucked away along a wall in urban homes, a triangular table could be tucked into a corner and the square table opened up when desired for meals, or games such as mahjong. The multiple forms can be chosen according to one’s needs or fancy.
Transforming the table is a simple lowering of the triangular flaps, and shifting the supporting precision-made wood and brass legs below.
Originally designed for Asian Contemporary brand SCENE SHANG, the aesthetics of the XUAN Table are inspired by the clean lines of classic Ming Dynasty design, and simplified for a timeless look, fitting right in with today’s contemporary styles.
Both sides closed as a console, center compartment for mahjong tiles lid open
Both sides open, forming a square table
Both sides open, forming a square table
Handcrafted by Expert Artisans
The XUAN Table is crafted by expertly skilled artisans and put together by their expert hands.
Award-Winning Design
The XUAN Table captures the essence of tradition and is a modern day masterpiece.