Perfumed origami, scented table placeholder, cultural exchange and sensory design, these ideas lie at the heart of Lotus Paper.
Time spent with family, strolling through your hometown or watching the sunset over the sea with a friend, scents can instantly evoke bold memories. Unlike other senses, olfactory stimuli pass directly through the cerebral cortex. A fragrance can make us relive experiences, triggering emotions far more intensely than images or sounds. The combination of visual elegance and delicate aroma transforms the simple act of setting the table into a full sensory journey.
From this reflection, Lotus Paper was born in 2013 in collaboration with QUASAR Arti Grafiche in Campi Bisenzio, which created the special scented cotton paper. Lotus Paper is a perfumed origami table placeholder shaped like the lotus flower, a symbol of purity in Eastern culture. Born from the mud yet rising toward the sky, the lotus inspired bringing the “pond” concept to our table. Just as various animals visit a pond to refresh themselves, people from different cultures meet at the table, exchanging stories and sharing traditions, a true cultural exchange.
How often have we noticed a fragrance that recalls home, a journey or a cherished memory? This is especially common for those living far from their homeland. The ultimate space where scents and flavours blend is the kitchen. Here, aromas of spices and essences revive past bonds and traditions—in short, our sense of home. The soft texture of the cotton paper, combined with subtle natural scents, transforms the table into a living sensory experience, where sensory design meets memory.
Aromatherapy shows how scents influence emotions, memory and cognition. The therapeutic use of aromatic plants dates back to ancient times. Certain fragrances aid relaxation, evoke images, awaken memories and trigger emotions, what is known as the “Proust phenomenon”. Each of us has unique olfactory memories capable of evoking joy or nostalgia, turning a simple meal into an immersive experience.
For Lotus Paper, I decided to represent both Italy and China, as I felt a very close connection to the Chinese culture, while discovering it during my time living abroad. Four fragrances were chosen, two for each country, based on tradition and cultural significance.
🇮🇹 ITALY
🇨🇳 CHINA
From lotus flower and origami, the idea emerges: bring the pond to the table. Just as ponds host diverse species, the dining table welcomes people from different backgrounds, encouraging exchange of ideas, traditions and cultures, a rich cultural exchange. The paper’s delicate folds invite guests to explore and appreciate its artistry, while the subtle fragrances stimulate conversation and connection.
The kitchen, a hub of influence and creativity, is where culinary traditions intersect and evolve. The dining table becomes more than a place to eat; it is the heart of the home, a space for dialogue, connection, and shared experience. Perfumed origami serves as a creative sensory design and scented table placeholder, blending memory, aroma and culture in a unique experience. By combining fragrance, texture and art, Lotus Paper transforms dining into a moment of reflection, memory and discovery.
📌 This project has also been featured in exhibitions, such as Nice to Meet You, and was highlighted in this article: Il Tirreno, 2013. The initiative involved the participation of the Design degree course, Confartigianato, and the association Le Mafalde. Nice to Meet You brought together the work of ten designers and nine artisan companies from Prato, who collaborated in the design and creation of objects dedicated to the preparation, cooking, and serving of ethnic foods.
