Design Shanghai 2026: Where Scent Meets Form

Sansi House returned to Design Shanghai 2026, held at its original venue, the Shanghai Exhibition Centre from March 19 to 22. Known for its neoclassical Soviet architecture, the space carries a quiet grandeur. We designed our booth to sit in conversation with this setting, drawing from elements such as the ornate hanging brass lighting and architectural symmetry.

Building upon our ongoing exploration of Indonesian cultural narratives, this year marks the beginning of our five sensory series, starting with scent. At its center is the Rattan Fan Diffuser.

Rattan has long been prized as a natural diffuser, with its fine porous channels gently absorbing and releasing fragrance into the air. This inherent quality became our starting point as we began to ask how something so familiar could be experienced in a new way.

Rattan has long been prized as a natural diffuser, with its fine porous channels gently absorbing and releasing fragrance into the air.

By blending the iconic silhouettes of shadow puppet fans with the symbolic forms of ancient archipelago wisdom, we transform natural rattan into an aesthetic centerpiece.

With a simple spray, the fibers retain scent and release it gently over time. It can be held, fanned, or placed within a space, moving between object and experience.

Alongside the diffuser series, we presented a selection of our core materials. Solid teak wood pieces and woven rattan works remain central to our practice, alongside handwoven mendong used in table runners and tea mats. Each piece reflects the rhythm and intricacy of traditional craftsmanship.

Thank you for the opportunity to return to Design Shanghai and to continue sharing this evolving journey.