# Donut-shaped Seating The Ru-Ju Stool by Yu-Fen Lo Was Inspired by the Ancient Jade Coin By Meghan Young | Published 2012-10-11 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ruju-stool References: [contemporist](http://www.contemporist.com/2012/10/11/ru-ju-stool-by-yu-fen-lo/) To some, the Ru-Ju Stool will look like a donut or perhaps even a lifesaver. To others, however, it will resemble an [ancient jade coin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chinese-burial-coins) used in Taiwan. Those who thought the latter would not only be right, they are clearly familiar with the Taiwanese culture. Inspired by the ancient currency, the Ru-Ju Stool blends the past with the present. Designed by Taiwan-based designer Yu-Fen Lo, the Ru-Ju Stool is crafted out of [bent bamboo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-moon-chair). The sustainable material gives the piece of furniture a comforting and warm aesthetic, which jade would not really accomplish. Like ribbons, the darker legs intersect the circular seat for a subtle touch that gives it even more character. Although the silhouette is quite simple, the sweeping lines set it apart from other [minimalist furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/utzon-stool). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Circular Seating:** The Ru-Ju Stool showcases the trend of circular seating, providing a unique and eye-catching design option. - **Natural Materials:** The use of sustainable bamboo in the Ru-Ju Stool highlights the trend of incorporating natural materials in furniture design, offering eco-friendly alternatives. - **Traditional-inspired Design:** The Ru-Ju Stool exemplifies the trend of infusing traditional elements into modern design, creating a fusion of past and present aesthetics. ### Where This Applies - **Furniture Design:** The circular and innovative design of the Ru-Ju Stool presents opportunities for furniture designers to create distinctive and visually appealing seating options. - **Sustainable Products:** The use of bamboo in the Ru-Ju Stool opens up opportunities in the sustainable products industry, catering to consumers demanding eco-friendly furniture choices. - **Cultural and Heritage Gifts:** Drawing inspiration from an ancient Taiwanese jade coin, the Ru-Ju Stool suggests opportunities in the cultural and heritage gifts industry, offering unique and meaningful products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stone-Like Styrofoam Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinold-styrofoam-stools.md) - [Bubble-Inspired Bulbous Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bubble-stool.md) - [Handcrafted Stone Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pebble-stool.md) - [Dual-Function Seating Shelves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rubik-stool.md) - [Cultural Heritage-Inspired Stool Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stool-design1.md) - [Rice Husk-Made Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rice-husk-stool.md) - [Functional Decorative Rocking Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rool-stool.md) - [Discarded Shoe-Created Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wu-series.md) - [Circular Lounge Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chunk-doughnut-chair.md)