Reviving Tradition: The "Dream of the Blue Manual Class" Packaging Design

Unveiling the Craftsmanship and Cultural Richness in Baijiu Packaging

Jingzhang Xiao, Ru Li, and Aizong Lin, the designers behind this exceptional creation, drew inspiration from the maturing process of cellar mud during the brewing process. The design's primary colours, dark blue and metallic gold, represent the transformation of the cellar from yellow to jet black, and the brilliance it takes on under the sun. The teardrop-shaped bottle, sandblasted and manually hammered, mirrors the warm touch of cellar mud, while the sprinkles of gold hidden in the ink echo the quality of the product and the deep cultural richness it embodies.

The "Dream of the Blue Manual Class" is not just a drinking vessel, but a living artifact. The bottle's design, inspired by the 'Arc of Time', highlights elements of craftsmanship and antiquity. It features an arch from the Classical Gardens of Suzhou and engravings that depict the twelve major events that the Yanghe Group has undergone. These intricate details reflect the ingenuity of the liquor's artisan workshop and pay tribute to the ultimate in craftsmanship.

More than just a beautiful design, the packaging also employs sophisticated technology for enhanced security. The product uses four-code correlation technology, creating a four-in-one anti-counterfeiting system that protects the brand and assures users of its authenticity. This high-end appearance, coupled with its profound connotation, signifies the status and taste of its users.

The design process, which took place from August 2021 to May 2022 in Nanjing, Jiangsu, was not without its challenges. The team had to meet the demand for more sophisticated and high-end daily necessities while preserving the historical and artistic value of the product. The result is a premium baijiu, produced from 600-year-old cellars by hand, that is included in China's list for Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The "Dream of the Blue Manual Class" is more than just a packaging design; it is a celebration of the Chinese spirit of craftsmanship. It is a testament to the belief that all greatness is created by hands, and that craftsmanship is not just a material act, but a spiritual creation. This design, which won the Silver A' Packaging Design Award in 2023, is indeed a vintage spirit in an artwork.