QingJing Tea, meaning "Quiet English is Meditation," draws its inspiration from the Qingjing Jing, a Buddhist scripture that emphasizes introspection and stillness of the heart. The packaging design reflects this philosophy by presenting different visual effects through various perspectives. Xue Jiang, the creative director, explains, "The inner world cannot be seen from the outside, just like the scripture says. Some viewers see a butterfly, while others see a Buddha, creating a sense of intrigue and contemplation."
What sets QingJing Tea apart from conventional tea packaging is its use of a strong ceramic pot as the packaging material. This choice ensures that the tea's fragrance is preserved without any chemical reactions or absorption. The streamlined design of the tea pot, with its cavity and lid body, allows for easy opening and closing, enhancing the overall user experience.
The QingJing Tea packaging specifications include an outer packaging size of 32mm x 64mm x 67mm and an inner packaging size of 29mm x 33mm x 62mm. These dimensions perfectly encapsulate the elegance and compactness of the design, making it visually appealing and convenient for storage.
One of the key strengths of QingJing Tea lies in its practical interaction. In an era dominated by touch screens and digital interfaces, the design team aimed to create a tangible and sensory experience for tea lovers. By considering appropriate processing techniques and production methods, QingJing Tea allows people to fully immerse themselves in the taste and essence of Chinese tea, evoking a sense of purity and tranquility.
The QingJing Tea project commenced in January 2020 in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China, and was completed in March 2020. Throughout the design process, extensive research was conducted, including market analysis, sketching, and material experimentation. The team utilized software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Maya, and C4D to refine and render their ideas, ensuring a seamless fusion of traditional and contemporary elements.
Overcoming the creative and technical challenges of redefining the appearance of tea packaging, the designers meticulously crafted the black porcelain tank body, streamlined bottle shape, and mouth design. Every detail, from the dimensions to the material selection, was carefully adjusted to create a tea pot that truly embodies their vision and meaning.
The QingJing packaging design has garnered recognition and acclaim, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The QingJing Tea packaging design not only showcases strong technical and creative skills but also contributes to enhancing the quality of life, making it a true testament to the power of innovative design.
With its fusion of art, Zen, and functionality, QingJing Tea offers tea enthusiasts a unique and immersive experience. The packaging design not only preserves the fragrance and quality of Chinese rock tea but also serves as a visual representation of tranquility and meditation. Embracing the essence of Chinese Buddhist classics, QingJing Tea invites tea lovers to embark on a journey of self-reflection and appreciation for the beauty of simplicity.
Project Designers: Xue Jiang
Image Credits: Xue Jiang
Project Team Members: Creative Director:Xue Jiang
Designer:Jing Hu
Model Design:Mohan Liu
Illuetrator:Min Li
Project Name: QingJing
Project Client: Xue Jiang