Liuliu Mei: Plum Packaging with a Cultural Twist

Exploring the Cultural Origins of Eating Plums

The inspiration for Liuliu Mei came from the narration about "plum branches" in chapter 32 of The Tale Of Genji. The design adopts the painting style of Ukiyoe from the middle period of the Edo Era, depicting the daily life of appreciating plums, picking plums, cooking plums, and tasting plums. This artistic approach adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the packaging.

What sets Liuliu Mei apart is its sustainable approach. The design team blended the plum cores, which are usually wasted during the cooking process, with paper pulp to produce the spoons and caps of the product. This innovative use of materials not only reduces waste but also adds a unique texture and visual appeal to the packaging.

In the vast land of Northeast Asia, people have various traditional customs related to eating plums. In Japan, for example, a plum is placed on top of each bowl of rice to enhance the sensitivity of the tongue to delicious food. Liuliu Mei serves as a bottle of plums that not only celebrates this cultural tradition but also explores the connection between China and Japan.

The design specifications of Liuliu Mei are as follows: Width 75.5mm x Depth 75.5mm x Height 90mm. Its compact size makes it convenient for storage and transportation, while still providing enough space to hold a generous amount of plums.

When it comes to functionality, Liuliu Mei offers a sense of ritual. Users can open the bottle, scoop out a plum, place it on the saucer (the cap), and savor the delicious fruit. The design encourages a mindful and enjoyable eating experience.

Liuliu Mei was designed in Shenzhen and produced in Wuhu, Anhui. The project lasted for one month, during which the design team meticulously researched the cultural significance of plums and traditional folk craftsmanship.

The challenges faced during the design process included finding the right balance between aesthetics and functionality. The team wanted to create a visually appealing design that also provided a practical and sustainable solution. By using the wasted plum cores as materials for the spoons and caps, they successfully achieved this balance.

Liuliu Mei has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category in 2022. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Liuliu Mei's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and contribution to a better world made it a deserving recipient of this accolade.

Liuliu Mei is not just a packaging design; it is a cultural exploration and a sustainable solution. With its elegant aesthetics, functionality, and commitment to reducing waste, this plum packaging adds a touch of sophistication to any dining experience.