Xiaoxiancao: A Tea Bag Design Inspired by Tang Dynasty

A Modern and Brief Visual Expression of Tea Drinking

Xiaoxiancao is not your ordinary tea bag. Designed to evoke a sense of ceremony, mystery, and international quality, this unique tea bag takes inspiration from the Tang Dynasty, specifically the tea drinking customs of palace ladies. The main visual expression of Xiaoxiancao features elegant characters with sleeves covering their mouths, a practice that was common among palace ladies during the Tang Dynasty. By incorporating this historical element, Xiaoxiancao aims to introduce more people to the world of tea in a captivating and interesting way.

One of the standout features of Xiaoxiancao is its packaging. The tea bag is enclosed in a recyclable cardboard box, with a simple envelope and pull-out inner box design. The inner box is left unprinted, making it easier to recycle. The small tea bags themselves are individually packaged in aluminum foil bags, ensuring freshness and convenience for consumers on the go.

With dimensions of 285mm*100mm*35mm, Xiaoxiancao is designed to be compact and portable, making it perfect for tea lovers who are always on the move. Each box contains 10 tea bags, with each bag containing 3g of tea.

Aside from its unique design and packaging, Xiaoxiancao also aims to engage consumers through its storytelling aspect. The elegant characters on the packaging, with their mouths covered, pique curiosity and invite consumers to explore the story behind the tea. By incorporating elements from the Tang Dynasty, Xiaoxiancao creates a connection between the past and the present, allowing more people to appreciate and love tea in a more interesting and meaningful way.

The development of Xiaoxiancao was not without its challenges. Tea bag products generally have lower profit margins, which meant that cost control was a crucial consideration for the designer. Despite this constraint, Jin Zhang was able to create a packaging design that is both creative and environmentally friendly, meeting the demands of today's consumers who value sustainability.

Designed in August 2020 and launched in September 2020, Xiaoxiancao has already gained recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category in 2022. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving the quality of life.

With Xiaoxiancao, Jin Zhang has successfully combined art, history, and modern design to create a tea bag that not only delivers a delightful tea-drinking experience but also tells a captivating story. By bridging the past and the present, Xiaoxiancao invites tea lovers to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation for the rich traditions of tea drinking.