The set with the subjet of a moon to herald a lucky year. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Inspiration

The major inspiration for these designs comes from the Chinese philosophy that one should do things moderately. For example, it's said that when having meals, one should stop eating before feeling full. With this idea, he designs the bowls with a curved rim. The lowest edge determines the real capacity. The shape combines that of the lotus-shaped bowls from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and bamboo hat-shaped bowls from the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

He jokes that the sets are designed for people who want to lose weight. If one has to eat fully with the bowl, he has to add rice many times.

The designer also employs the idea of leaving enough room for imagination promoted by Chinese aesthetics in traditional ink painting into his design.

"Society is fickle and full of desires. People always want more. That's not the lifestyle Chinese used to have. A better one is doing things in moderation and leaving enough room for your body and your spirit," he explains in his private office.