In 2017, we launched the The Lake project with the goal of protecting water sources. We aimed to change villagers' income methods by teaching them handicrafts, thus reducing the environmental impact on the local natural surroundings.

Season 1: "The Life of Water"

This season tells the story of the water cycle in nature through metal weaving techniques.

Season 2: "24 Meals"

This season uses the Miao silver flower-making craft from Guizhou to showcase the connection between China's traditional solar terms, climatic culture, and food.

Season 3: "Food Islands"

Inspired by traditional Chinese cooking culture and the foods themselves, this season highlights representative dishes and flavors from various regions. Focusing on the three classic Chinese cooking methods: steaming, boiling, and stir-frying, we use hand silk-screen printing techniques to reinterpret the folk art of stove paintings. This fusion of tradition and modernity dialogues between craftsmanship and daily life.

The Stove God

In Chinese households, the Stove God, or Kitchen God, is considered the protector of the family’s health.

Traditionally, the kitchen and stove are not just places for preparing food but also serve as a space to worship the Stove God. People hand-paint images of the Stove God on the earthen walls or tiles of the stove to offer their respects.

The Lake Installation — Food Islands

The three kitchens in this installation represent three main Chinese cooking methods: steaming, boiling, and stir-frying. Each kitchen is equipped with innovative kitchenware from Robam Appliances, traditional cooking tools, and a series of modern silk-screen prints that showcase various dishes, kitchen accessories, and related cooking methods.

Six hand-painted artworks created by local artisans, who have over thirty years of professional experience in traditional stove paintings, are displayed.

Above the kitchen countertops, lightweight and colorful silk-screen printed fabrics are suspended. These fabrics evoke traditional stove paintings while breaking the heaviness and dullness associated with traditional earthen kitchens. The translucent and airy fabrics hang above like the steam hovering over the food.

In the "Steaming" themed kitchen, the displayed patterns include: steamed dumplings, braised pork with preserved vegetables, chopped chili fish head, and green rice cakes. In the "Boiling" themed kitchen, the patterns include: sweet rice balls, shepherd’s purse and tofu soup, eight-treasure porridge, and autumn pear and ginger soup. In the "Stir-frying" themed kitchen, the patterns include: braised pork ribs, big plate chicken, stir-fried mushrooms, and stir-fried lobster. The shape and color of the kitchen countertops resemble the local lake in Qingshan Village, appearing as if they float on transparent square bases like the lake water.

The third season of The Lake continues the concept of a healthful lifestyle aligned with natural patterns. This project not only features innovative and ergonomically designed kitchen installations but also serves as a reminder of traditional Chinese values.

In addition to The Lake art installation and Robam Appliances’ professional kitchenware, the exhibition also includes kitchen-related products hand-printed by the villagers of Qingshan Village. Through this collaboration, Robam Appliances and the Nature Conservation Association support the residents of Qingshan Village in Hangzhou’s Yuhang District. Season three's products include silk-screen printed items such as tablecloths, aprons, and shopping bags, with patterns derived from the exhibition’s graphic designs.