Daniel Jin, Bend Armchair (STUDENT 2024)

Student:

Tertiary

Name of school or tertiary institution, name of woodworking teacher (if you have one), and name of photographer:

University of Melbourne, Christina Bricknell, Josh Stevens. Photos: Daniel Jin

The Bend Armchair is an exploration of steam bending and mortise and tenon joinery, showcasing the beauty in traditional woodworking techniques. Crafted entirely from American maple, with selected American walnut for the wedges, this chair is aspired by the ancient Chinese Horseshoe-back Armchairs and the iconic China Chair by Hans J. Wegner. The graceful, circular armrest is a defining feature of the Bend Armchair, offering both comfort and support to the sitter. The calculated 107° angle between the seat and the backrest, combined with the seat height of 435mm, ensures an ergonomic and pleasant sitting experience. Crafting this chair presented a series of complex challenges, including the steam bending of 20mm thick American maple into a three-quarters circle, the incorporation of two sliding dovetails to secure the seat, and the execution of four mortise and tenon joints at the ends of the sliding dovetail pieces, connecting them to the front and back stretchers. The armrest is attached to the legs using dowel connections, requiring precise angles in two axes. The Bend Armchair is a celebration of traditional design, enhanced by the embrace of contemporary techniques. The result celebrates the richness of woodworking heritage and the innovative spirit of modern craftsmanship.

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