Bo Yang's "Surplus Year After Year": A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Revolutionizing Packaging with Low-Cost, Eco-Friendly Materials and Chinese Artistry

Bo Yang's design was inspired by the Chinese pronunciation of "surplus" and "fish", both called "Yu". The phrase "Surplus year after year" is a traditional Chinese wish for an abundant harvest and a prosperous life. The design also incorporates elements of Chinese painting and calligraphy, with the fan-shaped cap serving as a nod to this ancient art form. The goal was to create a product that was both affordable and targeted towards high-end consumer groups, while also reflecting modern Chinese style.

The unique properties of this design lie in its eco-friendly approach and its fusion of tradition and modernity. The packaging of Baijiu products is often excessive and wasteful, contributing to environmental pollution. To combat this, Bo Yang used low-cost, degradable raw materials for the box design and inner tray. The blue water flow pattern is painted with a traditional Chinese calligraphy brush, and two golden fish are depicted swimming upstream in the vertical water ripple engraved designs. This combination of traditional culture and art design sets the product apart from others in the market.

The realization of this design involved the use of innovative techniques and materials. The box is made from recycled pulp, and the bottle is crafted from white porcelain. The cap, shaped like a traditional paper fan, is adorned with small metal fish. The design also features a relief shape that juts out from the cover, adding a unique tactile element. The box is tied with a straw rope, with a metal fish hanging from the front, further enhancing the design's connection to nature and tradition.

When it comes to interaction, the design offers multiple uses beyond its primary function. Once the Baijiu is finished, the bottle can be repurposed as a vase or decoration, and the box can be used to store small daily necessities. This multi-functionality adds another layer of sustainability to the design, reducing waste and encouraging reuse.

The project began in June 2020 in Beijing and was completed in December 2020 in Shijiazhuang. One of the main challenges was to create a graceful packaging design using low-cost materials without compromising on aesthetics or quality. This required innovative thinking and a deep understanding of materials and production processes. The result is a design that breaks the traditional Baijiu packaging impression, creating a high-end product image with low-cost, eco-friendly materials.

Bo Yang's "Surplus Year After Year" design was awarded Silver in the A' Packaging Design Award in 2021, a testament to its creativity, technical excellence, and innovative approach. This design not only challenges the norms of packaging but also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainability and cultural preservation in the world of design.