ABOUT CHICHOIMAO:
CHICHOIMAO is a small woodworking studio founded in 2019 and based in Hong Kong. Uniquely co-founded by one human and two cats—Kin Kin and Ar Mei—the studio embodies a harmonious blend of creativity and feline inspiration.
The name CHICHOIMAO is derived from the Cantonese phrase “自在貓” , which means “free and relaxed cat.” This reflects the studio’s aspiration to create products that foster a calm, harmonious, and relaxing atmosphere, much like the serene lives of its cat founders.
CHICHOIMAO’s product range is divided into two lines, categorized by the type of wood and color: •
Kin_: Crafted from beech, oak, or ash wood, offering a light and natural aesthetic.
Mei_: Crafted from black walnut, providing a sophisticated and warm tone.
Focusing on wooden products and small-sized furniture tailored for modern lifestyles, CHICHOIMAO emphasizes handcrafted quality. Each piece is meticulously made in small batches in Hong Kong using solid wood and traditional joinery techniques. This approach ensures both elegance and durability.
The studio’s design philosophy centers on minimalist and timeless aesthetics, aiming to highlight the beauty of craftsmanship. CHICHOIMAO strives to create fine wood products that are not only functional and elegant but also affordable.
Since its inception in the summer of 2019, CHICHOIMAO has offered both its collections and custom-made orders, catering to clients who appreciate artisanal quality and thoughtful design.
Exhibitions & Events:
CHICHOIMAO has actively showcased its craftsmanship and designs at various design fairs and exhibitions:
• London Design Fair 2023 (London, UK | September 2023 )
• ND Selects 2023 by New Designers ( London, UK | July 2023 )
• Home InStyle Fair 2023 (Hong Kong | April 2023)
• Held solo exhibitions in Hong Kong and participated in joint exhibitions in Taiwan between 2022 and 2023.
These participations reflect CHICHOIMAO’s commitment to sharing its unique wooden products with a global audience and engaging with the international design community.
About The Maker:
Chow Wing Sing, the founder of CHICHOIMAO, has a rich creative background rooted in commercial photography. Based in Hong Kong, Sing began his photography career in 2004 as a magazine photographer. In 2007, Sing received the first runner-up award in the Epson Color Imaging Contest 2007 for his photography work titled "Playground 樂園." This project captures animals in locations in Hong Kong that were on the verge of disappearing, highlighting the vanishing natural habitats and the animals living there. In 2008, Sing established his own photography studio specializing in print advertisements, still life, and corporate photography. His portfolio includes notable clients such as W Hotel, Esquire, Swire, and Bank of China (Hong Kong).
In 2014, during a vacation in Taipei, Sing discovered woodworking and began learning the craft. Upon returning to Hong Kong, he practiced woodworking alongside his photography work. In 2019, Sing relocated to a rural area in Hong Kong to fully dedicate himself to woodworking. It was then that he founded CHICHOIMAO, channeling his artistic vision into creating finely crafted wooden products.