Words by: Angus Ting

Creating beautiful and functional products with bamboo, Yiwooo is dedicated to bringing traditional technique to a modern audience.

 

 

Yiwooo is a bamboo craft brand established by interior designer Angus Ting in 2018. Meaning “twice” in Chinese, the name is inspired by the creation process where bamboo strips have to be woven across at least twice for sturdiness. The brand is committed to connecting bamboo crafts with modern city life.

 

Tell us about your background. What are your educational qualifications and where did you work before you started Yiwooo?

 

I majored in Architecture and Interior Design at the Caritas Bianchi College of Careers and graduated in 2010. Shortly after graduating, I co-founded thecaveworkshop, a design studio exploring cultural and environmental topics. My team partnered with notable organizations and projects including Detour, PMQ, and The Art Promotion Office.

 

 

 

When and why did you decide to start Yiwooo?

 

I came into contact with takezaiku, a Japanese traditional bamboo craft, on a trip to Kyoto. My blossoming interest in woodwork and bamboo craft over the years prompted me to establish my own bamboo craft brand, Yiwooo, in 2018. Meaning “twice” in Chinese, the name is inspired by the creation process where bamboo strips have to be woven across at least twice for sturdiness. The brand is committed to connecting bamboo crafts with modern city life.

 

How did bamboo become your main material? What makes its special?

 

Bamboo became our main material because of its incredible sustainability and durability. It grows much faster than other trees and requires less water and pesticides to cultivate. Additionally, bamboo is strong and lightweight, making it ideal for creating high-quality products.

 

 

Could you tell us a little bit about the production process of your products?

 

Our production process starts with sourcing high-quality bamboo from sustainable forests in China. We carefully select the best pieces and cut them to size before shaping and finishing them by hand. This includes preparing bamboo strips with varying thicknesses depending on the product we are working on.

 

Bamboo Sake Flagon and Bamboo Plates

 

 

What is next for Yiwooo?

 

We are always looking for ways to innovate and create new products that embody our values of sustainability, functionality, and beauty. And that’s what we are continually focusing on.

I am also currently working on my solo exhibition.