Xiao Tianyu (Chinese 1987-) 'Harmony-Circle' Armchair, 2012 3/8, stamped with signature, title and edition number on metal tag, elm wood and cotton seat cover (78cm high, 138cm width, 88cm deep (30.7in high, 54in width, 34.5in deep)) Footnote: Beijing-based designer Xiao Tianyu’s harmony series reflects his interest in the duality of furniture design. His series, Harmony, was in fact Tianyu’s graduation series from the Chinese Central Academy of Fine Arts, where he graduated in 2010. During his time at the Academy, he developed a passion for local craft and traditional design, influenced both by spending time in the countryside and by his friend and celebrated designer and curator Song Tao. Tianyu’s practise is deeply influenced by his cultural heritage, with his harmony chair being particularly influenced by Ming dynasty furniture and the grandeur and seriousness which it bestows upon its sitter. He marries this with his interest in the importance placed upon comfort in Western upholstery design, creating harmony and unity between the East and the West. His practise continues to marry traditional Eastern craft techniques with Western design aesthetics, resulting in elegant and functional pieces of furniture.