WHAT is the magic of Danish design? A group of internationally acclaimed Danish designers are trying to answer this question at an exhibition which has just opened at the OCT Contemporary Art Terminal (OCAT).

Participating designers include Lin Utzon, Kay Bojesen, Ole Palsby, Erik Bagger and Flemming Bo Hansen and others working with the reputed design company Rosendahl A/S in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Titled "The Magic of Danish Design," the exhibition is divided into four focusing on Danish culture and landscape, Danish design history, cultural exchanges and industrial design works from Rosendahl.

"That this first such exhibition is taking place in Shenzhen comes as no surprise to me," Jens Alsbirk, Danish consul general in Guangzhou, said at the opening ceremony Sunday.

"This incredible city is amongst the richest and most forward-looking in China. The support from the city leadership to this exhibition can be seen as a valuable contribution to strengthen the importance of design and thus help Shenzhen to climb the ladder from a production hub to a modern metropolitan city," he said.

"You might be familiar with such international design icons, like B&O or Georg Jensen, but Demark has a lot of world-class design companies," Alsbirk said. "One such company is today's organizer, Rosendahl, whose elegantly designed products continue to conquer new markets."

Alsbirk said the exhibition will give audiences an opportunity to explore the many different aspects of Danish design competence - from world famous builders of the Sydney Opera House to Rosendahl kitchenware.

"I am sure that this exhibition will contribute to the understanding of the Magic of Danish Design and it is my hope that this will be the first of many Magic of Danish exhibitions throughout China," he stressed.

Based on Danish culture, tradition and lifestyle, Danish design is characterized by simplicity, conciseness, boldness, classicalism and practicality.

Rosendahl is a modern company that profiles and nurtures Danish design. Collaborating with leading Danish designers, Rosendahl is behind many practical designs that make day-to-day living easier and more attractive.

Ole Palsby has designed Rosendahl's storage jars. The underlying concept is to give the jars a timeless look. The stoppers have the simple, arched handle that is so characteristic of many of Palsby's designs.

Palsby finds much of his inspiration in Japan and the Zen philosophy, which has influenced his basic principles.

Educated as a craftsman and textile designer, Lin Utzon has completed many works, which range from porcelain for Royal Copenhagen to set designs and costumes for The Danish Royal Ballet.

Kay Bojesen was a silversmith, but through his wooden toys he became known as one of Danish applied art's great pioneers. His Grand Prix cutlery received its name when it won first prize in Milan in 1951.

Erik Bagger was originally a goldsmith by trade. After finishing his apprenticeship, he was employed by Georg Jensen, where he worked until he became self-employed.

As a goldsmith, Bagger acquired a keen sense of detail, which is still characteristic in his designs today. At the same time he has learned that it is possible to combine a series of different materials in a unified whole.

A visit to the United States was the reason Erik Bagger decided to become a freelance designer in 1987. However, it was also because he could see the endless opportunities presented by the combination of steel, plastic and rubber. And something that is typical of Erik Bagger was that he was also able to see the humor in using these materials.

Also a goldsmith, Flemming Bo Hansen is well known for designing Rosendahl razors and watches.

The Danish have made two significant impacts on world history. The first impact took place more than 1,000 years ago when the Vikings made some marks, symbolized as "Danish Made," on many handicraft works when their ideas and language spread across most of Europe.

The second impact happened when Danish design won global recognition after World War II.

"Demark is a small country with few natural resources. It is also a country that is very open to trade with other countries," said Alsbirk. "Most Danes see globalization as an opportunity rather than a threat and we are keen on engaging in trade and investments with emerging superpowers like China."

"Due to a well-developed social system and a high standard of living, Demark is certainly not a low-cost country and so Danish companies can only survive and prosper in a globalized world by (with the words of Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen) being the best, rather than the cheapest," said Alsbirk.

"Therefore, Danish companies have for many years focused on constantly integrating design in their products," he said. "Danish companies have been able to demonstrate that consumers across the globe are willing to pay a high price for products that combine functionality with appearance and quality."

Editor: Wing