Every design has a story, and for Dukang Liquor's bottle, the tale is steeped in Chinese history. The inspiration for this unique design comes from the brand name Dukang, derived from a line of poetry by the historical figure Cao Cao from the Three Kingdoms era. The bottle is shaped into an abstract profile of Cao Cao, with the cap inspired by the garments of officials from the after-Han dynasty and the body of the container carved into a gown from the same period. This design not only enhances a steady hold but also brings a piece of history to life.
What sets this design apart is its ability to tell a story. The bottle, shaped from top to bottom to form a historical figure, is a nod to Du Kang, considered the first Chinese winemaker in history. The outer box is adorned with a vector painting of the ancient capital Luoyang, the city of the brand owner, further enhancing the historical connection.
The choice of glass as the material for the bottle differentiates Dukang Liquor from its competitors, who typically use ceramics. The gloss and texture of the glass elevate the surface, adding a modern touch to the historical design. The bottle's dimensions are 294mm x 88mm, making it a substantial piece that commands attention.
The design team, led by Creative Director Tiger Pan, faced the challenge of creating a distinctive symbol and a clear layout of information to help consumers easily identify the product. The solution was a unified serial system of packaging that allows consumers to recognize and pick up the products from afar. This innovative approach to design interaction demonstrates the team's commitment to user-friendly design.
The project, which took four months to complete, was designed in Shenzhen. The new packaging design brings the ancient culture of Chinese wine to modern people and aims to communicate with the world. The design was awarded Silver in A' Packaging Design Award in 2023, a testament to its creative and professional excellence.
In conclusion, Tiger Pan's design for Dukang Liquor is a unique blend of history, culture, and modern design principles. It tells a story, engages the user, and stands out in a competitive market, demonstrating the power of innovative design in the world of lifestyle products.
Project Designers: TIGER PAN
Image Credits: Tiger Pan
Project Team Members: Creative Director: Tiger Pan
Graphic Design: Xuedan Xia
Graphic Design: Zhiyi Jiang
Illustration: Jing Lee
Technical Direction: Zhangkun Xie
Project Manager: Hua You
Project Name: Dukang Liquor
Project Client: TIGER PAN