Scissor sisters: Designer tools cut two ways

Zhang Xiao Quan has a long cultural heritage in China, but due to recent competition from foreign brands, the company has lost presence in the market.

In response, Xun Ye has created two sets of tools, each designed to appeal to a particular demographic. The Baang range is aimed at young design-conscious couples. The ceramic pieces are designed to be treated as decorative, to be displayed on a wall, as well as functional objects.

The Liunian range is targeted at business people. The hand-made artisanal designs are produced by 70-year-old craftsmen, and Ye hopes the new range will stimulate the market for traditional handicraft scissors.

In the Anarconomy Decade designers are looking for new solutions in a changing market. Reviving traditional techniques and appealing to consumers’ sense of nostalgia can help heritage brands regain exposure.