KITT.TA.KHON x SUCHAI STUDIO
Kitt.Ta.Khon and Suchai Studio come together in a collaborative exploration that merges deep-rooted traditions with contemporary design sensibilities. Teerapoj Teeropas, the Bangkok-based designer behind Kitt.Ta.Khon, is celebrated for his expertise in rattan furniture, where traditional weaving techniques are reimagined into modern forms. Suchai Craft, established in 1967 and currently in its third generation, revitalizes traditional Thai aluminum wares with anodized colors that resonate with modern culture.
This collaboration delves into a process of design exploration, where the past and present converge. By examining the natural shapes and forms found in Suchai Craft’s aluminum wares, Kitt.Ta.Khon's team reinterprets these elements into Western-inspired objects such as chandeliers, candle holders, and tulip vases. Among these, the tulip vase stands out as a symbol of cultural convergence. Originally a product of 17th-century Dutch design, the tulip vase was crafted for both its decorative appeal and its function in displaying tulips—a flower introduced from Turkey and embraced by European society. Its pyramid shape, inspired by Delftware and influenced by Chinese porcelain, represents a rich history of cultural exchange. By reinterpreting this classic form with Thai design elements, the collaboration creates a new object that bridges historical and cultural gaps, merging traditional Thai artistry with the legacy of Western design.
The resulting collection is an experimental dialogue between old and new, where traditional Thai elements are transformed into novel forms that challenge and expand our understanding of both cultural heritage and contemporary design. This convergence of craftsmanship and innovation creates a space for reflection on the evolving nature of design and cultural identity.
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For project enquiry and customization (with minimum quantity) please contact Kitt.Ta.Khon via Kitt.ta.khon@gmail.com
The Mould
Though the production of aluminum wares is primarily powered by heavy machinery, numerous handcrafted processes remain hidden and unknown to the consumer. For example, all repeat patterns on Suchai Studio’s aluminum bowls are meticulously hand made by in-house artisans. After the design is approved, it is translated into a mould, which becomes an integral part of the production process. The mould is then used in the manufacturing process, controlled manually by skilled workers who rotate the cup by hand until the design is stamped across the surface. While machines assist, this process requires patience, practice, and expertise—much like any other form of craftsmanship.craftsmanship.
To Reinvent
In this collection, Kitt.Ta.Khon embraces its ethos of working closely with local craftsmen and artisans to redesign and challenge traditional production methods—without disrupting the established flow of the factory. The design language of Kitt.Ta.Khon is applied by pushing the boundaries of conventional forms, such as adding multiple handles or spouts to everyday items like water jugs and teapots. This collaborative process with Suchai Studio’s factory allows for creative solutions to obstacles, resulting in the reinvention of objects often considered dated or no longer relevant to modern life. Together, Kitt.Ta.Khon and Suchai Studio breathe new life into these pieces, rekindling their place in contemporary conversations.
Crushed
In the Crushed process, existing designs by Suchai Craft are intentionally crushed to create a new surface. This approach allows Kitt.Ta.Khon to explore the transformation of mass-produced items into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Each crushing creates a distinct texture, introducing an unpredictable element to the design.
The Marriage of Slow Handcraft and Mass Production
Lastly, Kitt.Ta.Khon and Suchai Studio sought to highlight craftsmanship in all its forms. Using iconic aluminum lunch trays from Such Craft—often nostalgically associated with school days in Thailand —Kitt.Ta.Khon collaborated with a local crafts community in Chiang Mai to hand-punch hand-drawn designs onto each tray. The absence of molds in this process ensures that every tray is made one by one, imbuing each with its own charm and uniqueness. This fusion of slow, hands-on craftsmanship with mass production reflects the diversity and adaptability of Thai craftsmanship, bridging the past and present with each piece.
In Dialogues of Forms, Kitt.Ta.Khon and Suchai Studio explore the reimagining of traditional designs through research, hands-on experimentation, and trial and error. The collection creates new objects by reinterpreting existing forms, blending traditional techniques with contemporary ideas. As objects like chandeliers and candle holders—typically associated with Western design—are transformed from Thai traditions, the collection also invites the audience to reflect on the values we place on everyday objects. It raises the question of why we often value Western-coded objects more highly than those from our own culture, urging us to reconsider how we perceive and appreciate our own heritage in the context of global design.
