Alessi - Jiakun Liu - 托盘 - “简” - 阳极氧化铝

Note: shipments of the auction will be send last week of September (week 40).

This "Jane" tray, designed by Liu Jakun of Jiakun Architects in 2012 for Alessi, is a remarkable piece that was part of the visionary project "(Un)Forbidden City." While it is currently out of production due to its high production costs and complexity, this tray remains an exquisite example of functional artistry.

With dimensions of 36.5 by 24 cm, the "Jane" tray is crafted to be versatile and adaptable. Its construction consists of bars made from anodized aluminum, lending the object an opulent coppery colour appearance while ensuring its durability. The use of this material was a deliberate choice, granting the tray a luxurious aesthetic and a sturdy structure.

One of the standout features of the "Jane" tray is its ability to transform into various shapes. The slight variation of angles allows for a gentle curvature, enabling the tray to take on unique forms. It can be spread out flat on a table, ready for elegant presentation, or easily folded up for convenient carrying. The versatility of the design offers limitless possibilities, limited only by the user's imagination.

Each "Jane" tray is assigned a unique number, further highlighting its individuality and craftsmanship. Although officially sold as a tray by Alessi, the item's multifunctional nature encourages users to explore its potential beyond traditional use. It can be rolled up entirely, resembling a compact cylinder, or folded in a way that mimics the appearance of legs. Moreover, the tray's versatility extends to serving as a convenient surface to hold glasses, plates, or other objects when placed over the armrest of a sofa or chair. Additionally, the tray can even be positioned upright, providing a creative space to display or hold various objects such as a vase of flowers or decorative candle. Thus, the "Jane" tray seamlessly combines aesthetic appeal, functionality, and adaptability to complement diverse user preferences and needs.

While no longer in production, the "Jane" tray stands as a testament to the ingenuity and innovative spirit of Liu Jakun and the Jiakun Architects. Its distinctive design and the remarkable qualities of the anodized aluminum bars make it an exceptional and versatile piece of functional art.

This ‘’Jane’’ tray is in new condition and has never been used before. Delivered with original packaging.

The Designer:
Liu Jiakun, the Chief Architect at Jiakun Architects, is celebrated for his groundbreaking designs. His projects have gained international acclaim and have been featured in renowned exhibitions. Liu Jiakun has won prestigious awards like the 7th ARCASIA Honor Prize and the Architectural Record Magazine China Awards. His works have been published in architectural magazines, and he has been invited to lecture at esteemed institutions worldwide, including MIT, the Royal Academy of Arts, and various Chinese universities. His visionary approach and exceptional talent continue to inspire the architectural community.