CHINESE ARTISTRY

Ruyi Gastronomy is a series of interactive experiences involving bespoke tableware that shines a spotlight on the nuances within regional Chinese cuisine

- Katelyn Tan

"In the past, all the best tableware, even for Chinese cuisine, was made by European or Japanese brands," says Desmond Chang, the creative mind behind Ruyi Gastronomy and the CEO of Inhesion Asia. "It was somehow never perfect due to a lack of cultural understanding-soup bowls were often the wrong size, and spoons were never the right weight." Elaborating, he lists tableware specific to Chinese cuisine, such as fish platters or vessels ideal for dishes that involve braising.

In 2009, Chang met designer Peter Ting in Paris, who would later become the designer of the Ruyi collection for Legle, a brand-new tableware collection for high-end Chinese cuisine. Chang furthered the design by creating intricate patterns for Ruyi Gastronomy.

Beyond tableware, Chang delved into enhancing gastronomical experiences, overseeing everything from menu creation to the art of plating and pairing. "We were talking about the beauty of Chinese cuisine and its profound culinary history, and decided to design a collection from scratch," he says.