CHUKER
Brand Introduction
CHUKER is a brand that was established in 2016, specializing in the fusion of interlocking toys and architectural art. Its products offer individuals the chance to enjoy themselves through engaging, hands-on interlocking while also gaining an understanding and appreciation of ancient Chinese architectural culture and the harmony present in these historical structures.
Yuan Tao
Founder and Chief Designer of CHUKER
With a background rooted in traditional Chinese courtyard architecture and having grown up in the heart of the imperial city, his early exposure to the rich cultural atmosphere surrounding ancient architecture sparked his curiosity and interest in the field from a young age. The beauty and grandeur of the asymmetric palace, pavilions, towers, and galleries covered in golden and colorful glazed tiles, as viewed from the vantage point of the Forbidden City's north side during sunset, further fueled his passion for the subject. Mr. Yuan is captivated not only by the symmetry, structural integrity and functional diversity of ancient architecture but also by the embodiment of human civilization and wisdom reflected in it over the centuries. Driven by his desire to share this appreciation and understanding with others, he created the CHUKER series products to allow more individuals to experience the unique artistic charm of ancient Chinese architecture.
Design Philosophy
A Moment of Dedication, A Journey of Two Hands
The design emphasis of CHUKER products is not merely on replicating the exterior appearance of architecture, but on utilizing wooden boards to accurately restore the traditional mortise and tenon jointing techniques, architectural structure, scale, and cultural characteristics of ancient Chinese buildings. This approach allows individuals to not only engage in the tactile pleasure of building but also to gain a deeper appreciation for the profoundness and vastness of ancient Chinese architectural culture.
Brand Evolution
In 2014, the idea of using wooden boards created with laser cutting to restore the structure and cultural significance of ancient Chinese architecture through the mortise and tenon structure principle was first conceived. The designs are based on the traditional concept of interlocking and locking levels in the mortise and tenon structure, resulting in models of ancient architecture that are self-supporting and do not require the use of nails or adhesive.
In the year 2016, as the premier creation by CHUKER, a paper-based "Tiananmen Tower" was introduced to the public and was awarded the Red Star Design Prize as well as the Excellent Prize at the Beijing Gift Competition. In the following year 2017, the paper-based constructions of the "Flowing Cup Pavilion in Prince Gong's Mansion" and "Festoon Gate of the Grand View Garden in the Dream of the Red Chamber" were also introduced and received the Gold Prize at the China Specialty Tourism Product Competition.
After several years of diligent exploration, in the year 2019, the wooden "Flowing Cup Pavilion in Prince Gong's Mansion" and "Festoon Gate of the Grand View Garden in the Dream of the Red Chamber" were successfully mass-produced and received recognition in the form of the "Beijing Gift" award for Most Potential.
In the year 2020, the Beijing central axis ancient building series works produced by CHUKER were honored with inclusion in the annual top 50 of the Beijing Cultural and Creative Competition, as well as a Silver Award in the central axis theme competition.
In the year 2021, the "Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven", a CHUKER's large-scale interlocking model, received a Bronze Award in the China Specialty Tourism Product Competition.
And in the year 2022, CHUKER's ancient building series products were selected for inclusion in the "Beijing Story" Cultural and Creative Exhibition Area of the Beijing Winter Olympics.
Sales Channels
The sales channels for CHUKER's products are not limited to online platforms, as they are also highly sought after in offline retail locations such as Beijing Gifts shops and Xinhua Bookstores. This popularity is particularly prevalent among young individuals and children.