Yuchuan Ming: Tea Tin Cans Inspired by Blue-and-white Porcelain and Chinese Ink Wash Painting

A Unique Blend of Traditional Art and Modern Design

As native Cantonese, designer Jessica Zhengjia Hu found inspiration for her latest project, Yuchuan Ming, in the daily ritual of tea drinking. Combining the elegance of Blue-and-white porcelain and the beauty of Chinese ink wash painting, these tea tin cans are not only functional but also serve as decorative containers for other objects. With a focus on traditional Chinese art styles and modern graphic elements, Yuchuan Ming offers a refreshing and artistic approach to tea packaging.

In this project, Jessica Zhengjia Hu, known for her innovative designs, has created tin cans that mimic the appearance of Blue-and-white porcelain. The cans feature a blue and white color scheme and traditional Chinese ink wash painting techniques, particularly in the landscape images of mountains and clouds. These elements evoke a sense of tranquility and reflect the peaceful and relaxing feelings that tea brings.

One of the standout features of Yuchuan Ming is the embossed seals on the lid handles. These seals, made using Xiaozhuan, a traditional calligraphy style from the Qin Dynasty, add a touch of authenticity and elegance to the cans. They are reminiscent of the seals often used in Chinese ink wash paintings and elevate the packaging to the level of artwork.

By blending traditional Chinese patterns with modern graphic elements, Jessica Zhengjia Hu has created a unique visual language for Yuchuan Ming. Abstract lines and geometric shapes add a contemporary twist to the traditional art form, resulting in packaging that is both visually striking and culturally significant.

In addition to the tin cans, Yuchuan Ming also includes hexagonal outer boxes that complement the cans' design. These boxes serve as external packages for the tin cans and further enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the product.

The realization of Yuchuan Ming involved a careful balance between traditional art forms and modern design. Jessica Zhengjia Hu drew inspiration from the rich history of Chinese tea culture and incorporated elements of Blue-and-white porcelain and Chinese ink wash painting. The result is a collection of tea tin cans that not only preserve the essence of traditional art but also offer a fresh and contemporary interpretation.

The Yuchuan Ming tin cans have dimensions of 85mm x 85mm x 120mm for the body and 75mm x 75mm x 33mm for the lid. The handle is a 25mm cubic shape. The external hexagonal boxes measure approximately 112mm x 112mm x 150mm.

Yuchuan Ming is more than just packaging for tea; it is an artistic expression of Chinese culture and craftsmanship. By combining traditional art forms with modern design techniques, Jessica Zhengjia Hu has created a product that not only stands out on store shelves but also invites consumers to appreciate the beauty and history of Chinese tea culture.

The Yuchuan Ming project was completed in February 2021 in Shenzhen, China. It is a testament to Jessica Zhengjia Hu's dedication to blending traditional art with modern design and has been recognized with an Iron A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category in 2021.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Jessica Zhengjia Hu
Image Credits: Jessica Zhengjia Hu
Project Team Members: Jessica Zhengjia Hu
Project Name: Yuchuan Ming
Project Client: Jessica Zhengjia Hu


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