Chair Inspired by Chinese Fortune Cookies and Redesigned for Comfort | Fortune Chair

FDT Bureau

Brooklyn studio Jumbo recently designed the Fortune chair for US manufacturer Heller, drawing inspiration from the shape of Chinese fortune cookies. Created by founders Justin Donnelly and Monling Lee, the chair reinterprets the cookie’s distinctive pinched-circle shape, resulting in a bilaterally symmetrical form. Know more about it on FURNITURE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (FDT).

Originally part of the Creature Comfort collection in 2020, the Fortune chair was intended to be made from aluminium. However, after Heller’s CEO John Edelman discovered it on Instagram, it was redesigned in plastic using rotational moulding. This technique allowed for an organically shaped seat, making the chair more comfortable and affordable.

The Fortune chair, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, is crafted from over 25 per cent recycled post-consumer plastic and is fully recyclable. The design accommodates various seating positions with a continuous surface supporting the back. Available in six food-inspired colours—cookie dough, olive, black cherry, oatmeal, licorice and summer tomato—the chair reflects Jumbo’s interest in how form and colour impact psychological and emotional responses.

Lee, originally from Taiwan, has fond childhood memories of fortune cookies, influencing the playful yet practical design of the chair. The Fortune chair represents a blend of Eastern and Western cultural elements, echoing the studio’s commitment to creating objects that are reductive yet sophisticated, and capable of creating a deep emotional resonance. The chair’s food-themed colours and approachable design aim to evoke personal connections and enhance any space with its unique aesthetic and functional qualities.

Image credit: Heller