Chopsticks Reimagined: 11 Designers Transform Traditional Utensils at Milan Design Week 2026

During Milan Design Week 2026, an exhibition titled 'Chopstick 箸' presents radical reinterpretations of the traditional eating utensil by 11 designers and studios. Curated by Wallpaper* China editor Yoko Choy for platform S—3, the show explores East Asian cultural heritage through contemporary design. Japanese studio We+ created lacquered waribashi that cannot be split, merging craft tradition with industrial expendability. Jin Kuramoto designed edible 'pasta chopsticks' from wheat flour that can be cooked and eaten after use, addressing environmental sustainability. South Korean duo Kuo Duo developed 'Seon' chopsticks that blend linear stick silhouettes with spoon contours, drawing on traditional Korean metal tableware. Another South Korean pair, Niceworkshop, crafted a single U-shaped metal form to improve grip and accessibility. Chinese designer Mario Tsai invented an aluminium 'chopsticks maker' that functions like a pencil sharpener, shaping wood into utensils. The exhibition examines how chopsticks have remained largely unchanged for centuries despite evolving from distinct East Asian culinary cultures into universal tools. It highlights tensions between personal cherished items and disposable culture, with Japan's wooden lacquered chopsticks dating to the 3rd century. The show is located at Via Pietro Giannone 3, Angolo Via Bramante 7, 20154 Milano.