Traditional Chinese chairs are admittedly beautiful, but are they comfortable to sit in, and how can they fit in a modern home? These are questions that modern Chinese designers have been grappling with.

The ongoing China Chair Exhibition that opened at Tsinghua University recently showcases 39 pieces by both ancient craftsmen and modern Chinese designers like Shi Dayu and Zhu Xiaojie. It aims to promote modern Chinese furniture design.

Jeff Dayu Shi's award-winning Chair Gang Rou draws inspiration from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. It is lightweight as it employs a delicate structure built from bamboo. And it is also stackable, which is not typical of traditional Chinese chairs.