Alessi "A Lotus leaf" centrepiece by Chang Yung Ho.

Chang Yung Ho of Atelier FCJZ is a new designer to the Alessi family, well established in his respective field, he has conceived the "(Un)Forbidden City" collection.  Each item will take inspiration from nature, with the addition of design influences, and all reminiscent of traditional Asian themes.

The first piece to be released is the "A Louts Leaf" centrepiece, the lotus flower is an often repeated emblem in traditional Asian culture, and the leaf used for this particular piece is special, in that it is in fact a lotus leaf picked from the lotus pond of the Old Summer palace and was left six months to dry, then the form was scanned with a three dimensional scanner, transformed into a mould, then made into a stainless steel copy, which then mass produces the centrepiece.

The centrepiece can be used on both sides, as a fruit bowl, or simply a talking piece, it is available now and costs £139.