Alabear: A Unique Gift Box for Chinese New Year

Combining Tradition and Innovation

Alabear, designed by Mao Ming, is a gift box that captures the essence of Chinese New Year, blending traditional elements with modern design.

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time of celebration and renewal. It is a time when families come together, exchange gifts, and wish each other good fortune for the coming year. Alabear, with its unique design and thoughtful details, is the perfect gift for this auspicious occasion.

The inspiration for Alabear comes from the Ningbo dialect, where "ala" means "our." Alabear, therefore, translates to "our little bear." The bear mascot is the main design element, symbolizing warmth, joy, and togetherness. In Chinese culture, the year 2021 is the Year of the Ox, and the God of Wealth is a popular deity associated with prosperity and good luck. Alabear combines these elements to create a truly special gift for Chinese New Year.

What sets Alabear apart is its attention to detail and its commitment to tradition. The gift box includes red envelopes, spring festival couplets, and other items that are essential for Chinese New Year celebrations. The design incorporates vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and traditional motifs, creating a visually stunning and culturally rich experience.

Alabear is not only a beautiful gift, but it also serves as a symbol of cultural heritage and pride. The project has been well-received by the local community and has played a significant role in promoting tourism.

The realization of Alabear involves a combination of printing techniques, including CMYK+ spot color for vibrant hues, bronzing for a touch of luxury, and bulging to add depth and texture. The use of special paper enhances the overall aesthetic appeal and durability of the gift box.

With dimensions of 30cmx30cmx22cm, Alabear is the perfect size to hold a variety of gifts and surprises, making it a versatile and practical choice for Chinese New Year celebrations.

Alabear is the result of extensive research into the elements of Chinese New Year, the Year of the Ox, the God of Wealth, and the Spring Festival couplets. By combining these traditional elements with the beloved bear mascot, Mao Ming has created a design that is both familiar and innovative.

Despite the challenges faced during the design process, such as finding the perfect balance between the bear mascot and the Spring Festival elements, Alabear has emerged as a triumph of creativity and ingenuity.

Alabear has been recognized for its excellence and innovation, receiving the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in 2022. This award acknowledges the outstanding design and resourcefulness of Alabear, which incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology. It is a testament to the strong technical and creative skills of Mao Ming and his team.

As Chinese New Year approaches, Alabear stands as a symbol of tradition, innovation, and the spirit of celebration. It is a gift that not only brings joy and good fortune but also honors the rich cultural heritage of China.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Mao Ming
Image Credits: Mao Ming
Project Team Members: Mao Ming Yao Dabin Yang Miao
Project Name: Alabear
Project Client: Mao Ming


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