Bean Dolls of the Old Trades Wrist Rest is an innovative cultural design artifact that combines ergonomic functionality with historical preservation, featuring four symbolic figures representing Singapore's old Chinatown heritage: the Towkay (business owner), Kopi uncle (coffee shop operator), Samsui woman (construction worker), and Majie (domestic helper). This multifunctional design piece, recognized with an Iron A' Design Award in the Giftware Design category, exemplifies the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary utility. Created through a community-driven process involving elderly artisans from the Kreta Ayer Senior Activity Centre, these handcrafted dolls are meticulously constructed using dried bean sprout husks, a traditional material historically used in Chinese Singaporean baby pillows, combined with organic textiles printed through eco-friendly digital processes. Measuring approximately 120mm x 60mm x 270mm, each doll serves as a ergonomic wrist rest, comfort object, and cultural memento, embodying the significant contributions of these traditional occupations to Singapore's development. The design process involved extensive cultural research and community engagement, overcoming challenges such as language barriers and the scarcity of living practitioners of these historical trades. This project, completed between 2010 and 2012, represents a significant achievement in preserving cultural heritage through functional design, while promoting intergenerational understanding and appreciation of Singapore's rich cultural history. The innovative approach to materials, combining traditional bean sprout husks with modern textile printing techniques, demonstrates a successful fusion of historical craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities.
Cultural heritage preservation, ergonomic design, traditional craftsmanship, Singaporean history, sustainable materials, community-engaged art
CITATION : "Adam Dawson. 'Bean Dolls Of The Old Trades Wrist Rest.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=452997 (Accessed on August 02, 2025)"
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