traditional potter’s stand becomes a cat-shaped timber bench

a potter’s wedging stand transforms into a cat-shaped bench

Designed by MACH Architects Beijing for ceramic artists, this bench reimagines the traditional potter’s wedging stand as a compact piece of furniture that combines ergonomic considerations with familiar woodworking techniques. These stands typically feature a forward-leaning slope to ease clay wedging, a silhouette strikingly similar to a stretching cat. The design releases the cat hidden within this functional form.

the bench reinterprets the traditional potter’s wedging stand | all images ©MACH Architects Beijing

Timber structure and playful mechanisms refine the bench’s form

Starting with a conventional bench, the designers at MACH Architects Beijing narrowed the width and calibrated the incline to optimise ergonomic comfort. Crafted from 24mm timber panels, the piece balances ease of mass production with a modern, lightweight aesthetic. Traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery ensures stability, honoring classic woodworking heritage. The ‘belly’ houses a functional drawer, while the rotating head acts as a clever mechanical lock.

a forward-leaning profile recalls the posture of a stretching cat