The Toji Box, a unique packaging design for candles, is the brainchild of Xiaoman Fu and his team, including illustrator Cyan Hong. The design was inspired by the Карачун Day of the Magyar people, a day marked by the shortest daylight hours and the longest shadows. On this day, ancient Turkic people would light a large bonfire to celebrate the end of the long, cold night. This tradition of overcoming darkness with light is reflected in the sundial brand logo and the design theme of the packaging boxes.
The unique properties of the Toji Box set it apart from other candle packaging designs. The box features an arc cut on the front, increasing the visible area inside and allowing the viewer to preview the story within. The box is made using a frosting process, enhancing its quality and aesthetic appeal. The main colors used are low saturation blue, pink, yellow, and orange-brown, chosen to enhance the visual and tactile experience.
The Toji Box is made from 1000g cardboard, with a raising process on top and gold stamping in the interior illustration. The box measures 100mm in width, 100mm in depth, and 120mm in height. The design process, which began in June 2021 and concluded in September 2021, took place in Xiamen.
The design team faced several challenges during the project, the most significant of which was modeling the boxes. As no similar box model existed in the market, the team had to create a blueprint and continually refine the model until it could be produced by the factory. The result is a unique and innovative product that stands out in the market.
Each Toji Box tells a story, represented through customized illustrations for each candle flavor. Consumers can read the letters and view the illustrations to understand the story behind each flavor, making the products "live" and unique. The Toji Box is a testament to the power of design in transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary experiences.
The Toji Box's innovative design and storytelling approach have earned it the Silver A' Packaging Design Award in 2022, a prestigious recognition for top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs. This award is a testament to the team's outstanding expertise, innovation, and commitment to excellence.
Project Designers: Xiaoman Fu
Image Credits: Image credit: Moon Away Studio / Petrel
Project Team Members: Creative Director: Xiaoman Fu
Illustrator: Cyan Hong
Project Name: Toji
Project Client: Xiaoman Fu