What it is
Piao II is a 2013 conceptual chair by PINWU. The official record names Christoph John, Jovana Zhang and Zhang Lei as the lead designers and lists bark paper, beech and bamboo filaments as its materials. It developed from the earlier Piao paper chair and combines research into paper-umbrella lamination with the fine bamboo framework associated with traditional lantern making.
Verified material and design record
- Official work name: Piao II / 飘II
- Year: 2013
- Designers: Christoph John, Jovana Zhang and Zhang Lei
- Listed materials: bark paper, beech and bamboo filaments
- Material research: Róng Design Library
- Craft references: paper umbrellas and traditional lantern construction
- Official positioning: a thinner development of PINWU’s earlier paper-chair research
How the shell is described
The original Piao approach built strength by laminating layers of paper over a mould. For Piao II, PINWU describes a fine bamboo network that works with the paper, allowing fewer layers and a lighter-looking shell. The edge is intentionally open and irregular, making the paper layers and bamboo grid visible instead of sealing them behind a conventional trim.
What photography can and cannot show
The official images clearly identify the thin white shell, frayed paper edge, underlying grid and light wooden base. They do not establish the shell’s stiffness under different loads, long-term response to humidity, resistance to abrasion, repair process or sitting comfort. The visible delicacy is a design characteristic, not evidence that the chair is either fragile or durable in routine use.
Specification and conservation questions
The checked page does not publish overall dimensions, weight, load guidance, fire performance, cleaning instructions, edition size or current availability. For exhibition or acquisition, request a current technical record covering support points, handling, packing, environmental limits, ultraviolet exposure, cleaning and paper repair. A photographed prototype or exhibition object should not be assumed to match a currently offered version.
Editorial limits
ChinoMuse has not handled, sat in, weighed, measured or conservation-tested Piao II. No claim is made about comfort, performance, durability or sales status. The cited official pages were checked on 24 August 2026. Official public photography is used as limited editorial quotation with the page and asset URL recorded; no partnership, authorization or sample is implied.
Related records
See the PINWU brand profile, CEWO and GU.
