Hide and Seek: Uncovering the Secrets of Chinese Culture with Lin Xi

One to back up his curiosity with careful study, Lin Xi has made it a habit to fervently delve into historical and contextual research for each of his pieces, becoming an aficionado of sorts for each of them. But this research process is organic: once, in an extemporaneous moment, he had measured the dimensions of all the Chinese chairs in his house, and discovered that all of them were approximately the same in height, with only a variation of 0.5cm, spurring further exploration into traditional Chinese design philosophies.

"It's not about just asking questions, but it's asking the right questions that count. Of course, sometimes the trappings of traditional rituals seem superfluous, and perhaps not all traditions are worth keeping. But one should at least consider why these rituals came to be. Maybe it's a pain to have to go through all these little prescribed steps before you can have your of tea. But the result is that you are so much more appreciative of that cup of tea when it is finally ready, and will take your time enjoying it. Maybe that's the whole point."