This session explores Zhang Lei's ongoing search on the future of tradition, from his deconstruction of Chinese traditional handicrafts into materials and techniques, to the research application to contemporary design practice such as recent exhibitions, RÓNG: Craft as Knowledge, Material is..., and CHANEL's la Galerie du 19M Shanghai group exhibition. With the artisan know-how, he redefines Chinese handicrafts with contemporary interpretations in the now, bringing forward the traditions to the next era.