About Us

MaWangDui excavation site

MaWangDui textile fragment

Dun Huang grotto

JingDeZhen ceramic making tradition

What We Do

Grotto's design studio is involved in a continuing effort to collect and document graphic motifs, patterns and design elements recovered from artifacts found at archaeological sites and heritages passed on from traditional architecture and handicraft.

These materials are taken to the next level and reinterpreted to incorporate contemporary design principles to form the content of our portfolio from which new products are developed. This portfolio contains design patterns, repeats and graphic compositions that are perfect for fashion, interior finishes, furniture, giftware and branding use.

Our initial endeavors include the application of designs to interior finishes and giftware. We have also developed prototype models for furniture following the same concept and these prototype models will be further developed for production through collaboration with manufacturers.

We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with manufacturers in the further development of products, as well as the prospect of utilizing our new found Chinese aesthetic in the production of other alternative products.

Reinterpretation of Ancient Chinese Aesthetics

Ancient Chinese heritages provide the most inspiring source of design creations for us at Grotto!

The period from pre-Han to Tang Dynasty in particular, was a time when the cross-fertilization of cultures flourished. A time open to a variety of religions and philosophies, resulting in a sophisticated cultural flavor in both the arts and crafts. Artifacts found in grottoes and cultural relics of this period testify to a unique mix of main stream Chinese culture, Buddhism, Persian influences and various other ethnic groups' life styles and customs. The aesthetic is both unique and authentically Chinese.

We also draw inspiration from traditional Chinese architectural and handicraft elements. Many of these elements have been developed over thousands of years under strictly disciplined practices. There are endless design wisdoms to be discovered in the detail of this extraordinary heritage. The porcelain making tradition in JingDeZhen, for example, was adopted to create the original artworks on our ceramic tiles; while modern printing technologies were tried and tested extensively to come up with the best results which resemble the colors and textures of the original artworks but with the benefit of quality consistency and easy installation.

Designer

Leslie Chen is a designer and the founder of Grotto Design Creations, she holds a Master of Architecture degree from Yale University and practiced in various design fields for more than 10 years before starting her product design practice. Her inter-disciplinary experience and keen appreciation for Chinese art and architecture is the driving force in creating the vision of her designs.

Grotto's first series of products won her "Young Designer Talent of the Year" in 2006 by Elle Décor China:

"Leslie's interpretations of ancient Chinese design elements blend gracefully into the contemporary environment, her designs are ingenious and unconventional yet authentically Chinese" - Editor's comments