Tan’s practice, since graduating from the China Academy of Art, has been focused on the ancient technique of lost-wax casting. This ancient foundry process has created an intersection between Tan’s interest in heritage casting techniques and organic forms.

The forms designed by Tan vary from being environmental (water drops, tree roots) to being figurative (spinal cords, pelvic structures). The Lily collection brings together the botanical and human motifs most explicitly. The tension between the two references cause the works to become abstracted and take on a slightly surreal quality, whilst maintaining functionality.

The 33 step chair is the most visceral work to come of out Tan’s studio. There are 33 vertebrae in a human spine, hence the name for this chair that inverts the body and places the cervical vertebrae on the floor and the pelvis as the seat.