Profile: Wanpeng (Loki) Xu – Only Natural Design Competitions

Wanpeng (Loki) Xu

University of the Arts London

Product & Furniture Design BA (Hons)

Born and raised in China, Wanpeng (Loki) Xu received his BA from Chelsea College of Arts in 2022 and later established his studio in London. His works have been showcased at London Design Week, China Shuitou Stone Design Week, Architecture Season Exhibition, and more. He is a material-driven artist dedicated to merging modern techniques with traditional crafts to explore boundaries across diverse cultures. His recent works involve co-creation processes with craftsmen who practise endangered techniques in China. He aims to bring these crafts to a broader audience through his Western-influenced skills and thinking. A unique aspect of Wanpeng’s craft is his passion for exploring cross-modal perception. In his physical works, he primarily emphasises the sensory connection between the tactile and visual. The true quality is perceived through close engagement with the objects. This method extends beyond visual appeal, deepening the emotional communication with the audience.

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Strands Vase - Wú - Lacquer Series

Category: Interior

Competitions: Home Competition [Now Closed]

Materials Used: Lacquer(tree sap); rPLA(bio-plastic; ramie; Gold Dimensions 尺寸 : H210mm x W72mm "Wú" was inspired by late autumn, with a startling glimpse of Firmiana simplex golden leaves beneath the trees. This co-creation was initiated by London-based product designer Loki Xu, who met lacquer artist Bei Jiang during a tour in Jingdezhen. Their mutual fascination with each other's distinctive creative processes led to a deep collaboration. The primary form of the vase was 3D printed in bioplastic, stemming from Loki's previous work, SenseLink, which focuses on enhancing people's emotional connection with objects through cross-modal perception. It was then post-processed by Bei with lacquer, whose expression resonates with nature. Multiple thin layers were meticulously applied to the vase, resulting in a hard, protective, and sensorially pleasing surface. After thorough communication and testing, the outcome is a harmonious blend of industrialisation and craftsmanship. Loki Xu Studio aims to bring Chinese crafts to a broader audience through innovative modern interpretations.